Marcus Rashford has provided a glimpse of what he is capable of over the past few days, and he could have more to offer at Manchester United this season.The forward ended his goal drought over the weekend when curling in a sensational strike against Southampton. He then built on that display by bagging a brace and registering an assist in the Red Devils’ 7-0 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
After over 18 months of criticism, Rashford has started to appear ready to right the wrongs of his previous displays. Express Sport look at how United can help their academy graduate kick on and return to the form which made him one of the most exciting forwards in the Premier Leagues.
Combine the most in-form players
Despite the opposition, United’s frontline looked lethal against Barnsley and Erik ten Hag must continue to keep the faith in a similar attack.
With Alejandro Garnacho back on the left, Antony on the right and Rashford through the middle, the Red Devils had bags of pace in the final third against Barnsley and were able to progress forward in a matter of passes.
United also had three outlets to enable them to go long when required and play the ball in behind the Barnsley backline, which they have struggled to do so far this season.
Amad Diallo has enjoyed a strong start to the season and he could combine with Rashford and Garnacho to create a lethal attack, with Antony dropping to the bench. The trio are all capable of being deployed on either flank, and their fluidity could cause major issues in the Premier League.
Ramus Hojlund emerged with credit last season and Joshua Zirkzee has shown promise since his move from Bologna, but the pair may be forced to bide their time on the bench at Old Trafford for now.
Rashford thrived whilst playing through the middle against Barnsley, and his link-up with Antony and Garnacho also ensured that he could drift out when required to open up pockets of space centrally – which Christian Eriksen relished.
With Bruno Fernandes likely to be back against Crystal Palace, playing Rashford as a striker could also bring out the best in his skipper and be the tactical tweak that Ten Hag needs.