Manchester United 2018-19 Player Reviews: Marcus Rashford

At times this season, Rashford seemed on the verge of a major breakthrough. He remains blessed with frightening pace and a strong shot, but where’s the end product? Rashford hit a purple patch with 8 goals in a two-month stretch at mid-season, spanning the tail end of the Mourinho era through Solskjaer’s molten start. But he didn’t do much before or after.

United’s miserable finish to the season coincided with a frustrating barren spell for Rashford — just one goal in his final eleven matches. When Ole first arrived as caretaker, he expressed an interest in helping the young forward settle down in front of goal and convert more chances. Hopefully that’s still high on the manager’s list, because Rashford really needs the help. KC

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Marcus Rashford was arguably Manchester United’s best player from December-March. In that time he scored almost all of his 13 goals this season, including some terrific finishes on the end of Pogba through balls, signalling his growth as a striker in situations he has struggled in previously. Goals against Spurs, Brighton, and Leicester stand out for their quality, and a huge penalty to seal a dramatic comeback against Paris Saint-Germain caught everyone’s attention for its significance and the confidence with which it was taken.

Of course, as the season neared its end, and Manchester United slid into a major slump, Rashford’s form followed suit. Injuries, fatigue, generally poor play all around, whatever is to blame, it shows that everyone in the squad has to improve at sustaining form throughout the season, and that includes Rashford. He continues to show so much promise, but he’s getting to the age where potential doesn’t cut it anymore. However, with the way Ole has set up the side, and talked up a squad rebuild, Rashford seems like the leading candidate to lead the lineup at centre forward. Next year could finally be the season he truly takes off. CD

Marcus Rashford rightfully earned his spot as United’s starting striker midway through the season. With Romelu Lukaku having a bad run of form and Alexis Sánchez virtually nonexistent, Rashford was slowly becoming the same athlete who dazzled fans in his debut season a couple years back. Every goal contributed to his impact as a player, and rightfully earned him a nomination for PFA’s Young Player of the Year for a second year in a row.

The Mancunian was gifted the honorable no. 10 shirt at the beginning of the campaign and he’s given United some memorable performances this year. His strike against Tottenham at Wembley in January remains a highlight of this year. However, others have been a cause for concern. In those particular contests, his free-kick taking seemed to have angered supporters. His contract is set to expire in 2021 and word is the 21-year-old would like assurance that United are heading toward a direction of growth before he inks a long-term deal. With that being said, expect Marcus Rashford to be central figure in Solskjaer’s rehabilitation process this summer and beyond. VN