Unstoppable since the post-World Cup resumption, the Briton has established himself as the main offensive weapon of the Red Devils. And as one of the best strikers in the world.
Unstoppable. Ten Premier League goals in as many matches, five in the EFL Cup including one in the final when Manchester United were crowned, one in the FA Cup and one in the Europa League against FC Barcelona…Since the 2022 post-World Cup recovery in Qatar, Marcus Rashford panics the counters. The Briton has established himself as the main offensive weapon of the Red Devils. But also as one of the best strikers on the planet. A change of dimension that he will try to confirm, once again, this Sunday afternoon (5:30 p.m.) against FC Liverpool (26th day of the Premier League).
A repositioning source of trust
This great progress, Marcus Rashford owes it in part to Erik ten Hag. After having mainly used him as a center forward in the first part of the season, the Dutch coach – who has counted on him a lot since his arrival – replaced him on the left wing, his preferred position. Where he has his bearings. And where are best expressed all its qualities, in particular its speed and its faculty to strike. “I don’t think he’s a top striker. He operates on the left side and has been fantastic“, assured Sir Alex Ferguson to Sky Sports at the end of February.
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With this repositioning, the British international, who had experienced a difficult 2021-2022 exercise (25 Premier League games, 4 goals), has regained the confidence he lacked. And with his staff, the ex-technician of Ajax Amsterdam makes sure to cultivate this confidence. “It’s just trust. Each player must do and obtain their own confidence. He fought for it, he invested in it. Of course, with my coaching team, we bring structures, especially in the way of play, which give him the routines he needs to put himself in the right position.“, explained Erik ten Tag at the end of January.
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An attacker who has become complete
In recent weeks, Marcus Rashford has also evolved his game. Known for being a formidable space player, with and without the ball, the player trained at Manchester United has worked on his weak points, and in particular on his heading game. And he has already shaken the nets four times with his skull since the start of the season. Much more complete, he is now a constant threat to opposing defenses. “He has so many abilities, he has such high potential and I think he can do even more. When he works well, he scores even more goals, because he can score with his right foot, with his left foot and also with his head.explains Erik ten Hag.
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But the 25-year-old striker still has plenty of room for improvement. To help him achieve it, the club is trying to push him to his limits. “If we are satisfied with that, then it will stop, because you have to continue to invest with each passing day, you have to stay focused in each match and bring the necessary energy and belief. Only by doing so is it possible to mark“, Indicates the Mancunian coach who was “cweconquered from the first moment“that he could”get more of it“. Facing FC Liverpool, Marcus Rashford will be particularly watched. “Today he is playing amazing […] We must collectively defend against thei”, announced Jürgen Klopp at a press conference. Will the Reds manage to contain it? Answer this Sunday, early evening.