[MadMike]

Monaco, Lyon and why not PSG, we all know what happened a few weeks ago. It was a disgrace what happened in Barcelona.

PSG got knocked out in the Last 16 phase mate, not the Quarter Finals. To say that France should have 3 teams in the Semis implies that you take it for certain that PSG would have somehow beat Juventus. That's obviously bollox. It's a leap too far.

 

[Pearson]

The world's most expensive player days hi.

Also Morrison looked like he would be one of the best in the world. He's a feck up though.

Ah, forgot Pogba.

Morrison, I am speechless about him. His story is not inspiring. He should have the best one for us. Not only the best, he could be out of sight of the second best after him. Nuisance through and through.

 

[andersj]

Have to say his dribbling was impressive against Anderlecht. I was strongly critical of his finishing with the frustration from that game caused mainly by the missed chances, but credit to him his head didn't drop. I can't wait to see how much he improves especially if he bulks up this summer or the one after.

I dont think bulkint up should be a big priority for him. I would rather see him improving his stamnia. Look at the amount of running some of the best attackers do (Belotti and in form Costa). Its a huge asset for a team.

 

[Ibi Dreams]

Was Rashford even touted as a huge talent before he broke through under Van Gaal? I remember it being a pretty big surprise and I don't remember hearing a lot about how he was going to be a star, not in the way people had always spoken about Morrison, Pogba, Januzaj and Wilson. It's amazing how he's grabbed his chance and not let go

 

[Rasendori]

For the U18s, Rashford was a very, very skillful player, and at times that hasn't always translated at first team level, particularly this season. So I found it encouraging it see him attempting skills (body feint, la Croqueta, cruyff turns, rabona, stepover, nutmeg) in such a high stake game, which really encapsulates the confidence he has at the moment. He's enjoying himself, and its refreshing to see. He used Shaw quite well, made teasing crosses from set pieces, his work rate was commendable, he was unfortunate to be fallaciously ruled offside when he was through on goal. Should've scored when he was through on goal from pressing, but credit to him for carrying on, and eventually scoring the winner.

 

[GM K]

He's already a striker, which more than likely he's been practicing his finishing every day for years. It doesn't look any bit special for a striker, if anything it's been below average. You don't win titles with a player who doesn't convert their chances (see us this year).

Just my opinion of him and his hype. I'll happily be proving wrong, of course.

Finishing can definitely be improved. I think there are more fundamental traits to look out for to determine if a striker or attacker can cut it at such a high level. Confidence, sense of positioning, off ball movements, a 'sixth' sense, the general feeling of threat defenders have when the player is around amongst others. Rashford has those traits. He really looks like a special player. Nevertheless, time will tell. It's up to him to show the world he can be consistently world class.

Another point to note that it could be unfair to judge him based on this season which seems like an unusual one. All our forward liners have been guilty of poor finishing this season and we all know that we can't judge them entirely based on one bad season.

Zlatan, Rooney, Martial, Lingard, Pogba, Miki and Mata have all missed sitters. We can't hang 'poor finisher' on only Rashford's neck and if it has been a group problem, then it is hard to define one person based on the poor results.

 

[The United Irishman]

Lets not get carried anyway in the moment. Rashford missed some sitters (so did Ibra tbf) before scrambling last nights goal in. He's got the talent but he still needs to step it up to be worthy of a starting place in a Manchester United first team.

Hate it when people say things like this...If a striker gets 5/6 chances in a game what's he supposed to do, score every chance? Not even Ronaldo or Messi do that...He scored the winner, that's enough.

 

[limerickcitykid]

Was Rashford even touted as a huge talent before he broke through under Van Gaal? I remember it being a pretty big surprise and I don't remember hearing a lot about how he was going to be a star, not in the way people had always spoken about Morrison, Pogba, Januzaj and Wilson. It's amazing how he's grabbed his chance and not let go

Yes he was the star of the u18s. Just have to look at the fa youth cup defeat to Chelsea where our whole game plan was to give the ball to Rashford and hope he can run half the field by himself. He wasn't being touted around as much yet because he was still in the u18s and for obvious reasons the big u21s players get more attention to be in the first team.

 

[MadMike]

Hate it when people say things like this...If a striker gets 5/6 chances in a game what's he supposed to do, score every chance? Not even Ronaldo or Messi do that...He scored the winner, that's enough.

To reverse this, if you took 10 chances to score or 3 it's the same thing? Of course it isn't.

 

[OldTrevil]

I dont think bulkint up should be a big priority for him. I would rather see him improving his stamnia. Look at the amount of running some of the best attackers do (Belotti and in form Costa). Its a huge asset for a team.

Bulking up done right can actually increase stamina. I'm not comparing the two but think of Ronaldo when he first came into the team and after he bulked up. All he needs is to build up the right type of muscles for his high-octane play and position, and at United I'm sure he won't lack access to great physios to help him over the summer.

 

[Obiorahking_]

I loved the toughness and grit he showed the other night. We are going to need it the rest of the season.

 

[jymufc20]

Lets not get carried anyway in the moment. Rashford missed some sitters (so did Ibra tbf) before scrambling last nights goal in. He's got the talent but he still needs to step it up to be worthy of a starting place in a Manchester United first team.

Scrambling last nights goal in ? Was you high when you posted this ? Yes he missed a few chances but the guy ran he's ass off for us and won us the match. (and not by scrambling a ball into the net)

 

[Rozay]

Rashford has only played six times as a center forward according to whoscore whereas Mbappe has played 15 times. Put Rashford as a center forward in an attacking team like Monaco and he'll score loads as well.

That aside, I really don't like the comparison right now(and I know you didn't start it). Let's enjoy an homegrown player proper killing it here.

This bears no correlation to what has actually happened on the football pitch. Saying Rashford would get loads of goals playing up front for Monaco, on the basis that Monaco create a lot of chances, would imply that Rashford has not scored loads of goals because we apparently don't create chances, which is false. What has happened in reality, is that Rashford has missed a number of chances, whereas Mbappé appears to take a higher percentage of his.

Also, it's a myth that we don't create chances anyway. We do, and we squander them.

 

[KM]

This bears no correlation to what has actually happened on the football pitch. Saying Rashford would get loads of goals playing up front for Monaco, on the basis that Monaco create a lot of chances, would imply that Rashford has not scored loads of goals because we apparently don't create chances, which is false. What has happened in reality, is that Rashford has missed a number of chances, whereas Mbappé appears to take a higher percentage of his.

Also, it's a myth that we don't create chances anyway. We do, and we squander them.

Yeah apologies for believing that if Rashford was playing more regularly at CF position then he'd have scored more goals. Also I don't need the stats to tell me that Monaco have a better attacking setup than us and the relative strength and defending of the French League is weaker than that of Premier League. It's clear for anyone to see.

 

[Rozay]

Yeah apologies for believing that if Rashford was playing more regularly at CF position then he'd have scored more goals. Also I don't need the stats to tell me that Monaco have a better attacking setup than us and the relative strength and defending of the French League is weaker than that of Premier League. It's clear for anyone to see.

Regardless of Rashford playing for Monaco or United, he has had many opportunities to score goals hat he hasn't taken. Hat part makes absolutely no difference what team he was playing for. He should have more goals than he does this season, and it is not poor chance creation stats that have caused him not to, more poor chance conversion stats.

 

[Red Star One]

Regardless of Rashford playing for Monaco or United, he has had many opportunities to score goals hat he hasn't taken. Hat part makes absolutely no difference what team he was playing for. He should have more goals than he does this season, and it is not poor chance creation stats that have caused him not to, more poor chance conversion stats.

Ibra also missed a lot of sitters this season and who knows, maybe Rashford would've netted those. and maybe Rashford would've missed a few Ibra managed to score
Our conversion was generally really poor, but I think Rashford - being so young - shows a lot of signs of development. Of course, there's still a lot to improve, but Rashford did enough to convince me his ceiling is absurdly high.

 

[AXVnee7]

Star in the making!

 

[Seanus]

Was Rashford even touted as a huge talent before he broke through under Van Gaal? I remember it being a pretty big surprise and I don't remember hearing a lot about how he was going to be a star, not in the way people had always spoken about Morrison, Pogba, Januzaj and Wilson. It's amazing how he's grabbed his chance and not let go

Scholes said he was always a stand out player that the coaching staff were very confident about-one of the few positives Scholes has said in last 3 years

 

[Brightonian]

Was Rashford even touted as a huge talent before he broke through under Van Gaal? I remember it being a pretty big surprise and I don't remember hearing a lot about how he was going to be a star, not in the way people had always spoken about Morrison, Pogba, Januzaj and Wilson. It's amazing how he's grabbed his chance and not let go

Nah he definitely was a standout talent in his age group, but you wouldn't have heard much about him yet because he came through so much earlier than they usually do. The youth football watchers have very much got used to waiting much longer than seems necessary before the talented kids get their shot with the first team, if at all. Rashford jumped a season and a half ahead of schedule when Van Gaal threw him in - remember he only got that chance because Wilson was out on loan and Will Keane was injured.

The other factor is that a lot of his x-factor was on show when he was a tiny pacy winger. He'd only been a striker for about a season after a big growth spurt, so again the people who were watching the youth sides were in a bit of a wait-and-see-if-he's-still-special phase when he suddenly got the call-up.

 

[POF]

I never really understood where it came from but there is a strange attitude in English football that playing an attacking player out wide is "wasting" him like it's some kind of inferior position.

Ronaldo, Neymar, Hazard, Bale, even Messi all played in wide positions and scored a bucket load of goals. But playing out wide is seen as some kind of insult to players like Rashford and Danny Welbeck. Rooney also seemed to see it as some huge sacrifice even though in my opinion it was his best position.

I don't necessarily agree that playing up front means you will score more goals. Sure, it means the player's starting position is closer to the goal but it also makes it easier for defenders to pick them up and nullifies dribbling ability because they will play much more with their back to goal.

 

[Nighteyes]

Regardless of Rashford playing for Monaco or United, he has had many opportunities to score goals hat he hasn't taken. Hat part makes absolutely no difference what team he was playing for. He should have more goals than he does this season, and it is not poor chance creation stats that have caused him not to, more poor chance conversion stats.

That's really not true. Even though we've created loads of chances this season most of them haven't fallen to Rashford as he hasn't played up top. For a better comparison we should look at Rashfords conversion rate last season which was ridiculously good when he was actually playing up top.

 

[GledTheRed]

I never really understood where it came from but there is a strange attitude in English football that playing an attacking player out wide is "wasting" him like it's some kind of inferior position.

Ronaldo, Neymar, Hazard, Bale, even Messi all played in wide positions and scored a bucket load of goals. But playing out wide is seen as some kind of insult to players like Rashford and Danny Welbeck. Rooney also seemed to see it as some huge sacrifice even though in my opinion it was his best position.

I don't necessarily agree that playing up front means you will score more goals. Sure, it means the player's starting position is closer to the goal but it also makes it easier for defenders to pick them up and nullifies dribbling ability because they will play much more with their back to goal.

Top post.

 

[Dobbs]

I never really understood where it came from but there is a strange attitude in English football that playing an attacking player out wide is "wasting" him like it's some kind of inferior position.

Ronaldo, Neymar, Hazard, Bale, even Messi all played in wide positions and scored a bucket load of goals. But playing out wide is seen as some kind of insult to players like Rashford and Danny Welbeck. Rooney also seemed to see it as some huge sacrifice even though in my opinion it was his best position.

I don't necessarily agree that playing up front means you will score more goals. Sure, it means the player's starting position is closer to the goal but it also makes it easier for defenders to pick them up and nullifies dribbling ability because they will play much more with their back to goal.

It's not about the position being inferior. It simply comes down to where that player is best suited. The guys you mentioned were all genuine wide players, Rashford isn't.

In terms of scoring more goals of course playing up front means you'll score more. Just look at who tops the charts in the EPL every season.

 

[rollingstoned1]

He's quicker off the mark than Bale has ever been. The way he destroyed their fullback, who proved a couple of times that he was no slouch, against Martial for instance, was ridiculous. His running is arguably more similar to Ronaldo as he takes fairly short steps.

He does make the "pace is unnecessary" argument look a little foolish. Not only is it a huge asset, but it's also entertaining and gets us off our seats. Watching tiki-taka football will have you fallen half asleep before the goal is scored.

Agreed, he is still a young kid and he has a good physique. If he progresses like we expect him to he could turn into a beast physically in 2-3 years time.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

It's not about the position being inferior. It simply comes down to where that player is best suited. The guys you mentioned were all genuine wide players, Rashford isn't.

In terms of scoring more goals of course playing up front means you'll score more. Just look at who tops the charts in the EPL every season.

Why's that? Rashford played on the wing for most of his time with United.

 

[Womp]

Why's that? Rashford played on the wing for most of his time with United.

Wasn't Rashford a winger too, considering he started his career there before being moved to striker?

 

[Pogue Mahone]

That's really not true. Even though we've created loads of chances this season most of them haven't fallen to Rashford as he hasn't played up top. For a better comparison we should look at Rashfords conversion rate last season which was ridiculously good when he was actually playing up top.

The position you play has no bearing on how easy it is to convert chances. Rashford was just playing better for most of last season. Full of confidence and self-belief in front of goal. This season he's found it harder (to be expected in his second season) and isn't quite so assured in front of goal. Seems to be getting his mojo back recently. Which started in the first leg against Anderlecht, playing out wide. I think it was the Sunderland goal that got him going. Goals breed confidence then it can all become self-fulfilling.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Wasn't Rashford a winger too, considering he started his career there before being moved to striker?

He played on the wing for all the underage teams at United.

 

[Dobbs]

Why's that? Rashford played on the wing for most of his time with United.

I base my opinion of where a player's best by watching their performances.

I don't see the logic in maintaining he's a winger just because that's where he played as a 16 year old.

 

[Nighteyes]

The position you play has no bearing on how easy it is to convert chances. Rashford was just playing better for most of last season. Full of confidence and self-belief in front of goal. This season he's found it harder (to be expected in his second season) and isn't quite so assured in front of goal. Seems to be getting his mojo back recently. Which started in the first leg against Anderlecht, playing out wide. I think it was the Sunderland goal that got him going. Goals breed confidence then it can all become self-fulfilling.

I sort of agree and disagree. Confidence is key absolutely but I'd argue goal scoring is also an habit. Being stuck out wide he wasn't really getting into too many scoring positions and thus wasn't at the end of too many chances and thus confidence drained as a result. So while I agree that that the position you play is irrelevant in itself I'd argue that self belief and confidence wasn't high because he wasn't being playing up top.

 

[2 man midfield]

Looking forward to seeing how he does later.

 

[Marcelinho87]

I am excited for Rashford and hope in the abscence of Zlatan he proves he is the man for next season with a backup to him brought in.

I really like how he has won Mourinho over with his hard work and determination.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I base my opinion of where a player's best by watching their performances.

I don't see the logic in maintaining he's a winger just because that's where he played as a 16 year old.

Who is "maintaining he's a winger"? He's clearly capable of playing that position, though, seeing as it's the position he's played more than any other.

In the long term he'll end up playing centrally but right now he's no less able to play wide than any other of the players already mentioned to you.

 

[Oscie]

Probably one of the most industrious players we have, along with Valencia. He's capable of having poor games but you never get the impression he doesn't try. It's come at the right time for him this opportunity to step up to be the leading man, back in goal scoring form and I think his performances have been generally on the upturn for a few weeks now.

Wonder if we'll repeat the partnership with him and Lingard. No fan of the latter in a midfield role, where I think he's 9/10 a complete irrelevance, but it worked well with them up front vs Chelsea.

 

[El Jefe]

I never really understood where it came from but there is a strange attitude in English football that playing an attacking player out wide is "wasting" him like it's some kind of inferior position.

Ronaldo, Neymar, Hazard, Bale, even Messi all played in wide positions and scored a bucket load of goals. But playing out wide is seen as some kind of insult to players like Rashford and Danny Welbeck. Rooney also seemed to see it as some huge sacrifice even though in my opinion it was his best position.

I don't necessarily agree that playing up front means you will score more goals. Sure, it means the player's starting position is closer to the goal but it also makes it easier for defenders to pick them up and nullifies dribbling ability because they will play much more with their back to goal.

I think its just a lack of patience from fans. The truth is its much harder playing up top than out wide. Out wide the younger players have more chances of touching the ball and thus seeing the runs and positions the experienced strikers make or take up.

Van persie, Henry, Lacazette and Suarez are more names that played wide before moving up front.

I'm absolutely sure Jose sees him as a striker long term and once his upper body strength and finishing improves he'll be there in no time.

 

[Rado_N]

He's going to score a hat-trick today.

 

[EyeInTheSky]

He's going to score a hat-trick today.

Oh ffs

(I think so too)

 

[POF]

It's not about the position being inferior. It simply comes down to where that player is best suited. The guys you mentioned were all genuine wide players, Rashford isn't.

In terms of scoring more goals of course playing up front means you'll score more. Just look at who tops the charts in the EPL every season.

I completely agree that it is all down to where the player is best suited. In some games like Chelsea where United cede possession and need pace up front to unsettle the defence, that is where Rashford is a big threat.

But in most United games, there won't be that type of space and his speed will be more useful in wide areas, like at West Ham where he won the game.

I sort of agree and disagree. Confidence is key absolutely but I'd argue goal scoring is also an habit. Being stuck out wide he wasn't really getting into too many scoring positions and thus wasn't at the end of too many chances and thus confidence drained as a result. So while I agree that that the position you play is irrelevant in itself I'd argue that self belief and confidence wasn't high because he wasn't being playing up top.

You're definitely not the only one with the opinion that Rashford is/was "stuck out wide". I still find it bizarre. How good must Ronaldo, Neymar, Messi, Hazard, etc be? They somehow manage to be the top players in their leagues even being "stuck out wide".

I think its just a lack of patience from fans. The truth is its much harder playing up top than out wide. Out wide the younger players have more chances of touching the ball and thus seeing the runs and positions the experienced strikers make or take up.

Van persie, Henry, Lacazette and Suarez are more names that played wide before moving up front.

I'm absolutely sure Jose sees him as a striker long term and once his upper body strength and finishing improves he'll be there in no time.

I agree. The truth is that Rashford isn't that good with his back to goal. He doesn't have the physical presence yet to lead the line regularly at a club like United just yet.

 

[SirAF]

I never really understood where it came from but there is a strange attitude in English football that playing an attacking player out wide is "wasting" him like it's some kind of inferior position.

Ronaldo, Neymar, Hazard, Bale, even Messi all played in wide positions and scored a bucket load of goals. But playing out wide is seen as some kind of insult to players like Rashford and Danny Welbeck. Rooney also seemed to see it as some huge sacrifice even though in my opinion it was his best position.

I don't necessarily agree that playing up front means you will score more goals. Sure, it means the player's starting position is closer to the goal but it also makes it easier for defenders to pick them up and nullifies dribbling ability because they will play much more with their back to goal.

Spot on, imo.

 

[Dobbs]

Who is "maintaining he's a winger"? He's clearly capable of playing that position, though, seeing as it's the position he's played more than any other.

In the long term he'll end up playing centrally but right now he's no less able to play wide than any other of the players already mentioned to you.

When I said he's not a winger like Hazard or Bale you asked "How so?" So the natural assumption is that you think he's a winger.

Of course he can do good stuff on the wing but Hazard, Bale and Neymar are all still wingers in their prime years. Rashford was switched to the centre forward position whilst still in the youth set up, came into the first team as a centre forward. You're predicting he'll be a centre forward.

There's a clear difference in these guys who are in their primes a natural fit on the wing and Rashford who is a young player waiting to switch into the position we know he's best in.