Ralf Rangnick has his first tough decision to make as Man United manager; dropping Marcus Rashford.
Manchester United have won two and drawn one under their new manager. That’s almost the ideal start for the German boss Ralf Rangnick.
The performances have left plenty to be desired, though. There was a reaction during the Crystal Palace game, but against both Young Boys and Norwich City, United have looked pretty average…
No doubt Rangnick will have been pleased with what he’s seen from some players, though overs have flattered to deceive. Amongst those out of form at the moment is Marcus Rashford.
Our homegrown hero has often come up with that moment of brilliance when we’ve needed him most, but this season, since coming back from injury, Rashford has looked a shadow of the player he was last term.
Whether or not he’s still struggling with an issue or two remains to be seen, but I have to admit, I’m concerned.
The struggling 24-year-old simply has given Rangnick no option but to be dropped for the Reds’ game vs Brentford tomorrow – and it pains me to say that because I’m his biggest fan.
Against Norwich City, it was just such a naive display from the forward. Every single time he had the ball, Rashford would either run down a blind alley and lose possession, or play a wayward pass when looking to find a teammate. It all just felt very rushed.
The fact that he somehow managed to stay on the field longer than Jadon Sancho left us all scratching our heads. Perhaps it was a real show of faith in him from Rangnick. Perhaps it was just a poor decision from the gaffer.
I’m just not sure Rashford has done anywhere near enough to keep being picked in the starting XI, particularly with Mason Greenwood now back fit and available. United’s number eleven scored a world-class goal last midweek, while right now, he deserves to be selected over his fellow academy graduate.
This is not me saying Rashford will never be good enough for United. This is me thinking the 24-year-old is just having a tough time of it right now. I’d like to say that I fully expect Rashford to bounce back at some point this season. It’s only natural that players go through tough periods, particularly after a couple of bad injuries followed up by a mentally-draining summer.
I firmly believe we’ll see a Rashy in full flight in the not too distant future. He just needs that time away to re-ignite that fire in his belly and rediscover his best form.
If Rangnick is to continue this unbeaten start to life at his new club, United will have to be on their A-game against an excellent Brentford side tomorrow. With Edinson Cavani also working his way back from injury, I’m just not sure Rashy can justify a starting shirt at this moment in time.
Should the Englishman be benched? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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