[sammsky1]

He didn't really have much time with the reserves like other academy prospects did. He's 18, top scorer with the u-18s a couple of years ago and last season was his first year with the reserves and his first team exploits were already overshadowing any work he was doing in the reserves.

Thanks. Yes makes sense as he is still only 18/19 so has not even had the time to make an impact in the reserves, as opposed to 20/21 when most young players make a big break through impact.

We may genuinely have a Owen/Giggs/Rooney/Ronaldo type prospect on our hands right now. Its incredible exciting .... and all the more reason for me that his confidence and development is very carefully managed.

We have no need to be dependent on him and Mourinho should strive to play him in positive and self fulfilling circumstances: let him enjoy scoring late winning goals or boss around less competent defences for now. He has many years ahead of him to fully carry the burden of scoring all of our goals.

That being said, if Depay can also develop, an interchanging front 4 of Martial, Rashford, Depay and Mkhitaryan in September 2018 is a mind boggling concept.

 

[Glideman]

I believe right now Rashford coming off the bench is the best option and to start him in Europa and Carling Cup.

Rashford is the most exciting young player i've seen in years

 

[VanGaalEra]

Kids special, I also quite like the thought of him coming off the bench against tiring legs, he's still only 18.

That is of course so long as we have Martial and Mkhi on the pitch to provide us with pace.

 

[kps88]

Considering Martial isn't in the best of form and has played a lot of football, I don't see why we can't drop him for Rashford. Let Martial come on against tired legs.

 

[Adam-Utd]

Considering Martial isn't in the best of form and has played a lot of football, I don't see why we can't drop him for Rashford. Let Martial come on against tired legs.

Think Martial has shown he's better as a starter, and Rashford has had good impact as a sub. If Martial is in low confidence benching him won't help.

He looked OK for France anyway, so I think he will do fine.

 

[Nytram Shakes]

I believe right now Rashford coming off the bench is the best option and to start him in Europa and Carling Cup.

Rashford is the most exciting young player i've seen in years

surely we can't just say because your 18 no matter how good you do you don't get to start in the league? that would be a ridiculous policy and completly disheartening for any young player at united

Say Rashford keeps playing like he did at the end of last season and against hull and yesterday, and Ibra has a few more games like he did against hull..... then surely you have to start Rashford?

of course at 18 we don't want to over play him at this stage, but if he proves he is good enough (which so far he has done) starting around 30 games is only going to benefit him!

 

[kps88]

Think Martial has shown he's better as a starter, and Rashford has had good impact as a sub. If Martial is in low confidence benching him won't help.

He looked OK for France anyway, so I think he will do fine.

Not sure how you can say who is the better starter considering Martial's started almost every game since he's come here. He hasn't really had much of a chance to prove his effectiveness off the bench.

Didn't see the game but he was first to be taken off so couldn't have been doing too well.

 

[Nytram Shakes]

Think Martial has shown he's better as a starter, and Rashford has had good impact as a sub. If Martial is in low confidence benching him won't help.

He looked OK for France anyway, so I think he will do fine.

Rashford has also proved to be great as a starter and as a sub, basically he has proved himself great whenever he is allowed on the pitch, and you can argue benching him long term wont help

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

surely we can't just say because your 18 no matter how good you do you don't get to start in the league? that would be a ridiculous policy and completly disheartening for any young player at united

Say Rashford keeps playing like he did at the end of last season and against hull and yesterday, and Ibra has a few more games like he did against hull..... then surely you have to start Rashford?

of course at 18 we don't want to over play him at this stage, but if he proves he is good enough (which so far he has done) starting around 30 games is only going to benefit him!

Ibra was the best player on the pitch in the first 45 minutes against hull so he certainly shouldn't be making way. Mata or Rooney though should be looking over their shoulder.

 

[Drifter]

No one can deny now that we have someone special at United. Absolutley delighted for him.

 

[GloryHunter07]

How is he so good? He looked decent but nothing special whenever I saw him for the reserves.

He has just exploded- hope he keeps up the progress.

 

[ivaldo]

My XI? Well, that will happen if I manage United in real life.

Otherwise, pretty much pointless. I would pick him for jose's current system.

If you aren't willing to contemplate hypotheticals then what are you doing on a discussion forum?

 

[Nytram Shakes]

Ibra was the best player on the pitch in the first 45 minutes against hull so he certainly shouldn't be making way. Mata or Rooney though should be looking over their shoulder.

you must have been watching a diffrent game to me, Ibra looked world class agaisnt southampton, but agaisnt Hull his touch deserted him and Curtis Davis just bossed him.

Im not saying we should drop Ibra now at all, but my point was simple we can't simply say becuase rashford is 18 he isnt allowed to start even if he out performs the person ahead of him in his position.

 

[The United]

If you aren't willing to contemplate hypotheticals then what are you doing on a discussion forum?

I just said I would pick him in jose's current system if that's the answer you want.

Even if i choose my XI in my own FM or some kind of fantasy shit, I can't atm since it has only been 3 games into the season and I don't know how new guys and old guys will perform for this season. It just makes no sense for me to do it.

Just because I don't jump in wagon with slating the likes of Rooney, mata, the elbow guy etc and not getting too much excited with new toys right away does not mean I have nothing to do on these forums.

 

[Adam-Utd]

Not sure how you can say who is the better starter considering Martial's started almost every game since he's come here. He hasn't really had much of a chance to prove his effectiveness off the bench.

Didn't see the game but he was first to be taken off so couldn't have been doing too well.

I am not saying any of them are "better starters", but we know Rashford is good from the bench, and right now doesn't seem mentally effected by it. Martial I think would be knocked badly by being a sub, and I am not sure he can get into the game as quickly as Rashford can. For that reason I would keep it the same. Personally though I would drop Rooney and start Rashford. But that's another story.

 

[Sb_16]

We've had threads on signing Zlatan and Pogba as surreal. For me its Rashford. I don't think I'll ever come to terms with him as our most important players until he's 23-25. So young and came out of nowhere.

 

[Lennon7]

Yeah I'd play him on the right. He's in too good form in to leave out and so is Ibra so think he'll have to be on the right.

Don't think he'd be anywhere near as effective on the right unless we played 4-3-3, personally.

 

[LuisNaniencia]

Don't think he'd be anywhere near as effective on the right unless we played 4-3-3, personally.

Yeah he would be better in a 433 but I'm one of those who can't stand having Mata on the right so I'd prefer Rashford.

 

[Nytram Shakes]

I am not saying any of them are "better starters", but we know Rashford is good from the bench, and right now doesn't seem mentally effected by it. Martial I think would be knocked badly by being a sub, and I am not sure he can get into the game as quickly as Rashford can. For that reason I would keep it the same. Personally though I would drop Rooney and start Rashford. But that's another story.

but then do what? Mourinho isnt going 2 play 2 up top most games, maybe when he is chasing a game but thats it, Ibra isn't mobile enough to play 90 mins as a number 10, and Rashford isn't a number 10.

 

[Adam-Utd]

but then do what? Mourinho isnt going 2 play 2 up top most games, maybe when he is chasing a game but thats it, Ibra isn't mobile enough to play 90 mins as a number 10, and Rashford isn't a number 10.

Ibra is fitter than Rooney, so I don't see it being a problem.

 

[Nytram Shakes]

Ibra is fitter than Rooney, so I don't see it being a problem.

fitter probably, more mobile... i dont think so, Ibra these days is a very static player, that isnt what you want from a number 10. A number 10 is about finding gaps between defenders, finding pockets of space, that isnt ibra's game.

we'd just be craming players in to positions and formations that doesn't suit them to get them all on the pitch, that doesn't benefit united or the players.

 

[The United]

we'd just be craming players in to positions and formations that doesn't suit them to get them all on the pitch, that doesn't benefit united or the players.

Finally, someone understands something about balance with football teams. Or very basic shits with football.

 

[Gause]

Don't think he'd be anywhere near as effective on the right unless we played 4-3-3, personally.

I agree. His best play mostly comes when he runs around and inside the box. He does have a good skill and blistering pace to play on the flanks but his contribution would be limited.

 

[m1y2]

if Micky is injured and it's between him and mata on the right then it's a nobrainer, might limit him a bit in terms of defensive work but Mata is slower and weaker and never worked hard much think rashofrd would track back like Martial was learnt to easily and would provide us with nice attacking outlet.. he's also manc and in fantastic form so he needs to start games like this, I'd also considered him starting over Ibra, football world would be such a nice place without rooney theses days, imagine how incredible our team would look like without him and rashford in instead..

 

[Nogbadthebad]

442

Ibra and Rashford up top.

I think that will be forced on Jose if Rashford keeps improving, because he will simply have to play both, and that is the only formation it would really work.

Martial/Pogba/(Fellaini or Schneiderlin)/Miki midfield.

I don't see a space for Rooney in that formation at all.

 

[Adam-Utd]

fitter probably, more mobile... i dont think so, Ibra these days is a very static player, that isnt what you want from a number 10. A number 10 is about finding gaps between defenders, finding pockets of space, that isnt ibra's game.

we'd just be craming players in to positions and formations that doesn't suit them to get them all on the pitch, that doesn't benefit united or the players.

Finally, someone understands something about balance with football teams. Or very basic shits with football.

Ibra often drops deep into the AM space when he plays, he loves linking play up. Rashford on the last man would work perfectly fine. The only difference would be can Ibra do the defensive work, but I am certain he could.

Anyway we all know it'll be Rooney/Ibra starting.

 

[devil in me]

We have an ideal scenario on our hands. Rashford as Zlatans back up for 2 years, cup games, a few league games here and there and sub appearances. Then when Zlatan leaves we will have a 20 year old local lad, with probably over 50 appearances for us already, ready to be our main man.
People will say start him more, but lets just be patient, let him learn from the best and we will reap the rewards.

 

[m1y2]

We have an ideal scenario on our hands. Rashford as Zlatans back up for 2 years, cup games, a few league games here and there and sub appearances. Then when Zlatan leaves we will have a 20 year old local lad, with probably over 50 appearances for us already, ready to be our main man.
People will say start him more, but lets just be patient, let him learn from the best and we will reap the rewards.

in a form he's in it's mental not to start him, imo it's not about him and Zlatan they can easily play together, there is a roo problem

 

[RedDevil-85]

Rashford should start the derby,no doubt about that what so ever.I dont care who who has to be benched for that to happen.
He is in top form,4 goals in his last 2 games for club and country and his confidence is sky high.

Bringing him on from the bench can be good but it might be too late by then.I rather start him and let him cause trouble for City for 90min rather than 30.
Last season he started away against City and scored the winner in the 14th minute.

I would start Rashford and bench Martial,who has been poor for both club and country.

 

[Borden]

i love him

 

[RedPnutz]

Trying to think which other strikers he might be similar to. Has to be Henry, right?

Eto'o? Owen?

 

[Sam M]

Torres, maybe Sturridge, but Rashford is a little better in the build up I think - which is significant because prime Sturridge was a very well - rounded striker.

 

[Carlsen19]

Rashford should start the derby,no doubt about that what so ever.I dont care who who has to be benched for that to happen.
He is in top form,4 goals in his last 2 games for club and country and his confidence is sky high.

Bringing him on from the bench can be good but it might be too late by then.I rather start him and let him cause trouble for City for 90min rather than 30.
Last season he started away against City and scored the winner in the 14th minute.

I would start Rashford and bench Martial,who has been poor for both club and country.

100% agree with all of this. Slightly harsh on Martial who looked quite dangerous last night for France, but he'd still be the one getting the chop for me (unless by some miracle Jose decided to drop Rooney).

 

[Handré1990]

lol. I don't know how people miss the point. Many players have those flashy skills but not all of them have a decent finishing ability or instinct that he has. It is why you play him near the goal because the goal getting skill is the most valuable asset you can have as a forward and should be used effectively...to you know win the games.

It does not mean he is just a poacher and that's all he can do.

Okay, goals win games, so far we agree. So your solution is to bench Zlatan, who scored an obscene amount of goals last season, in fact the most productive season in his career.

Your point being that Rashford is a great goalscorer, and that's his greatest asset, when in fact he's so much more. His appetite for taking on defenders from every position in the final third, his intelligent runs and directness are so, so beneficial for all the other attackers, it was clear as day when he came on vs Hull, and he completely changed the dynamic of the game. Add to that his brilliant ability to pick out his team mates in tight areas in and around the box (has he ever missed a backheel pass when playing for us at senior level?), and you should start to get a picture of a player that can be influential in all three forward positions. You know, without taking out the player who is by far our best goal scorer (Zlatan).

I would argue that Zlatan would benefit Marcus more than Rooney, did you per chance see when Zlatan put Rooney through on goal with a 30 meter pass with his backheel? He draws CBs towards him, and that would be a major advantage for Marcus, wherever he plays across the front three. While Rooney has more of a tendency to drop deeper and deeper, leaving players isolated.

Marcus can easily play right or left wing/forward and contribute with goals, assists and penetration from out wide. I wouldn't want him behind Zlatan in the middle, because his speed would not be utilised to the fullest there.

 

[SSSSnake]

Its not really. Amazing as he was last night, it was an U21 match and no way close to playing the calibre of team that is modern day Manchester City.

At his age and stage of development, any positive contribution should be a bonus and any mistakes or ineffectiveness should be viewed as development. Young players have very fragile range of self confidence because they lack emotional maturity.

Rashford should never be expected to deliver for his team when more experienced options are available, especially against top teams in high pressure games, he is best utilised as a high impact substitute who can change a game in the final phase using his blistering pact against tiring defender.

I think Mourinho should pursue this policy until at least February and see how Ashford develops. He'll anyhow start in less competitive games in the Europa and CC cup.

I guess he wasn't ready last year when he banged in the winner and left the City defence wanting.

 

[villain]

As brilliant as he is, I think he still needs some protecting and shouldn't be starting games.

The English media really is cruel, when he has a dip in form (it's natural and likely to happen at some point) they will be ready to tear into him, say he's not good enough, too inexperienced, find out what random girls he's been taking to Nandos find out he's spending £££'s on shoes and bags and use that as reason for his recent form. Blame him for England not winning the World Cup etc.

Just let him develop, keep putting in brilliant displays but the time he spends off the field and out of the limelight is also important.
Zlatan will happily carry that burden for the next couple of years.

 

[NoLogo]

Great lad and very talented player but he will remain our super sub until Zlatan is gone I think. I still feel he will get enough playing time and if he continues to be patient and take his starting chances he will be an excellent option for our first choice number 9 in 2 years time.

 

[bosnian_red]

I guess he wasn't ready last year when he banged in the winner and left the City defence wanting.

There's a difference in being the only one we have like last season and competing with Ibra/Martial/Mkhitaryan/Mata/Rooney in a game against a much stronger Man City side that is going to be huge for the title race come the end of the season. Especially so early in the season, it's likely that both managers will be a bit more cautious, so it's more likely that Mourinho goes for more defensively disciplined players. Rashford has of course done well when given the chance, but starting him on the wing where he's barely played against City? Unlikely. If it was any team outside the top 6 then he'd almost definitely start but I can't see it.

 

[sammsky1]

I guess he wasn't ready last year when he banged in the winner and left the City defence wanting.

You make it sound like I don't rate his talent: I do, as much as you do, I just differ in terms of how to utilise Rashford now we have sufficient depth in attacking positions within the squad.

As @bosnian_red says above, having Ibrahimovic Mhkitaryan alongside Mata and Rooney means we dont have to risk our fortunes only on a brilliant but emerging Rashford; anything he provides is a bonus and he can deliver that from the bench.

Anyways, we are going around in circles.

 

[MDFC Manager]

He's quite certain to start most of our Europa league games I think. So the defenders in that competition need to clench their arseholes...