Ten months ago, Marcus Rashford started on the substitutes’ bench in the Manchester derby, which felt important given that Ralf Rangnick had instead selected two midfielders, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, to spearhead United’s attack at the Etihad.
Rashford reportedly thought about leaving the team after that game, which was not unexpected given how badly his reputation had dropped over the previous season. The player appeared unmotivated and like a shell of his former self, and his stock had plummeted.
At the time, sources close to the player said Rashford was training well and in good spirits, although they conceded that was not transmitting to matchdays. Rangnick did not seem to rate Rashford during his interim reign and the minutes he was given by the German were not conducive to recapturing his form, as he could not find rhythm from the bench and was stuck in a rut.
A year is a long time in football, and the helplessness that Rashford experienced on that afternoon at the Etihad now seems like a distant memory. Rashford was helplessly unable to escape from a nightmare that was getting worse.
With Erik ten Hag in command, Rashford has responded to the struggles of last season by getting back to his absolute best in the 307 days after he struggled with the disappointment of being named on the bench, behind midfielders beginning in his position.
The fact that Rashford had a history with the team he grew up supporting meant he was motivated to fight for his future, which was inevitable with a change in manager. It was understandable for Rashford to mope last year and consider his options elsewhere.
However, Rashford‘s form did not necessarily improve after the manager changed. The fact that the player was able to start over, get better, and get back to the heights that made him one of England’s most exciting offensive prospects years ago is a testament to his ability.
“Last season, I had some mental difficulties that had less to do with my performance. Off the field, there were other issues. Last season, I wasn’t in the correct frame of mind far too frequently “said Rashford in October. These problems have been resolved.
Rashford contributed just five goals and two assists last term and he’s already got 13 goals and six assists by the halfway stage of this campaign. He is playing with unbridled confidence and looks dangerous whenever he receives the ball in the final third.
Rashford made the game about himself by assisting on the first two goals and scoring the third in United’s 3-1 FA Cup triumph over Everton on Friday night. Rashford is “the difference,” as Everton manager Frank Lampard praised him, and he was correct.
Rashford’s development has been quite impressive. His performances against Chelsea at Old Trafford and Norwich at Carrow Road, two of his worst, suggested he might actually need a change of scenery to give his career new life. He was treading water last season. Both Rashford and United are appreciative that it wasn’t necessary.
Rashford‘s best offensive performance came in the 2019–20 season when he scored 22 goals and added 12 assists, including 17 goals in the Premier League. Ten Hag has assured the player that he can match that output this year.
According to Ten Hag, Rashford has the potential and, given his recent performance, the ability to score 20 goals in the Premier League. On Friday, Rashford was unplayable in wide areas against Everton, and two of their players received bookings for attempting to contain him.
Although the two of his assists were nearly identical, Everton was unable to stop him from doing it for the second goal. Ben Godfrey and Chris Coleman’s numbers were available to Rashford for the entire game, and he made the latter.
Rashford had the numbers of Ben Godfrey and Chris Coleman throughout the game and he made the latter look leaden-footed.
Rashford‘s performances currently have a smooth, natural flow. In contrast to previous season, when he doubted himself and his abilities, which prevented him from defeating opponents, he does not consider his next move on the field; instead, he simply acts.
After the March Manchester derby loss, Rashford exited the Etihad pitch in pieces. After little under a year, he will face Pep Guardiola’s team again the following weekend, rejuvenated and ready to make up for recent defeats.
His renaissance is almost complete, and he exudes an electric presence. It just needs to be sustained.