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It’s been a long and oftentimes difficult season for Manchester United, and perhaps nothing sums that up better than the injury absence of Marcus Rashford. Rashford was half-way through a remarkable breakout season as United’s most reliable and creative attacker. With 19 goals in all competitions at the midway point, his loss is a tremendous setback for a young United forward line that finally seemed to be clicking.
Though Rashford should return in either March or early April, there are still goals that need to be scored in that time, and Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood, who have each racked up decent goal tallies of their own, have struggled in recent matches. United do have some more options with the arrival of Odion Ighalo in January and Daniel James in the summer, but who should be the starters, and how will they line up? Vote in the polls below to let us know your thoughts.
How should Manchester United line up without Rashford?
Ole’s formation changes in January and early February indicate he’s willing to try new things with Rashford out. How should United’s forward line look?
Poll
Should United stick with a front 3, or go with 2 forwards and stack the midfield?
This poll is closed
-
37%
Front 3
(250 votes) -
59%
Front 2, Diamond midfield
(392 votes) -
2%
Other (Comment)
(19 votes)
Is Anthony Martial a no. 9?
Martial has been subject to some criticism for his poor play in recent weeks. He’s been largely cut off from matches, and has made little effort to fall back and get involved. Perhaps he should be moved back out left for the time being until Rashford, who did most of the creative link-up play, returns?
Poll
Should Martial continue to play at the 9, or be moved out left?
This poll is closed
-
24%
Martial at Centre Forward
(179 votes) -
75%
Martial at Left Winger
(542 votes)
Starting lineup
Ole seems to prefer a front 3, though he has experimented with a front 2 a few times. But who should be the first names on the team sheet in either formation with Rashford out?
Poll
What should a first choice front 3 look like with Rashford out?
This poll is closed
-
9%
James, Martial, Greenwood
(73 votes) -
21%
Martial, Greenwood, James
(173 votes) -
59%
Martial, Ighalo, Greenwood
(471 votes) -
2%
James, Martial, Mata
(18 votes) -
7%
Other (Comment)
(56 votes)
Poll
What should a first choice front 2 look like with Rashford out?
This poll is closed
-
50%
Martial, Ighalo
(389 votes) -
23%
Martial, Greenwood
(180 votes) -
0%
James, Greenwood
(4 votes) -
1%
James, Ighalo
(12 votes) -
22%
Ighalo, Greenwood
(177 votes) -
1%
Martial, James
(9 votes) -
0%
Other (Comment)
(3 votes)
Please feel free to engage in (healthy) debate in the comments.