[Frank White]

Some of you clowns aren't fans at all. You have your mind made up on Rashford and slate him no matter how he plays. For christ sake, back the kid.

100% some of the comments here sound like they've saved a draft and just hit post reply without even watching the game.

 

[bosnian_red]

This is my concern. Yesterday we really didn't see anything new, he does thrive in counter-attacking system, it's just he goes into this "I will run into 3 players and see what happens" mode whenever he's facing low block defense. I expect that to happen next game to be honest, I would like to be proven wrong but I don't think he has "turned a corner" or anything. He is a weapon against teams that want to push us high, but I can see any other wide player challenging Rashford for his spot in starting XI. Maybe his willingness to run and press was a result of him recognizing this as well.

Yesterday was a return to "normal" Rashford though. We've been dominated plenty over the past year. We've played on the counter plenty in that time. He just looked completely off. A Rashford returning to the level he showed between 2019 and 2021 is a huge benefit to us, because last season he just looked broken, depressed, and lost on the pitch. So it's absolutely a difference seeing him yesterday compared to last season.

 

[BusbyMalone]

It was nice seeing him take on players again. Not everything came off, but at least he was trying. It's been infuriating watching over the last year or so slowing the game down and coming to a standstill. Let's hope he's getting his confidence back.

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

Yesterday was a return to "normal" Rashford though. We've been dominated plenty over the past year. We've played on the counter plenty in that time. He just looked completely off. A Rashford returning to the level he showed between 2019 and 2021 is a huge benefit to us, because last season he just looked broken, depressed, and lost on the pitch. So it's absolutely a difference seeing him yesterday compared to last season.

Agreed. If he can just be a good option as an inside forward from that LW spot and counter teams he'll be really useful. I don't ever expect him to become a star leading man at this point, but he doesn't have to be to still be a successful piece of the squad.

 

[Frank Grimes]

Mixed bag but took his goal well Should have squared the ball in second half when he got the lucky break to go past Gomez. Also think he had a great chance in first half but took a touch and let Gomez get back when a first time finish was the order of the day.

 

[RedStarUnited]

Really begs the question, where was this energy ok the last 12-18 months?

 

[Pogue Mahone]

This is impressive stuff.

But it also begs a question, right?

 

[Frank White]

I'm not a stat fanatic so will go off what's been said there, that them numbers are impressive. Makes you wonder what was everyone else watching when they said his work rate was lacklustre last night eh? Hate to bring up the A word but sometimes it's hard to think anything else when it comes to Rashford.

 

[RedCurry]

Pretty comprehensive stats to confirm what we all saw.

 

[stw2022]

So is it that he only feels the effects of his previous injuries if we set up in a way that isn't to play on the counter?

Took the goal well but bloody hell, the lad was in need of divine intervention five minutes ago to help him build a life for himself after all those horrible injuries and having to cope with even more horrible fans claiming that was a load of old shite and he was just bloody lazy.

He had energy and he moved his arse. If he reverts back to type at the weekend let's hear none of this 'it's because of his back injury' rubbish again, because back injuries are seldom exacerbated by a desire to play possession football.

 

[EtH]

This is impressive stuff.

But it also begs a question, right?

It’s means we’ll be seeing a regression to the mean unless we’re playing Liverpool on the back of an embarrassing drubbing ?

 

[Threesus]

So is it that he only feels the effects of his previous injuries if we set up in a way that isn't to play on the counter?

Took the goal well but bloody hell, the lad was in need of divine intervention five minutes ago to help him build a life for himself after all those horrible injuries and having to cope with even more horrible fans claiming that was a load of old shite and he was just bloody lazy.

He had energy and he moved his arse. If he reverts back to type at the weekend let's hear none of this 'it's because of his back injury' rubbish again, because back injuries are seldom exacerbated by a desire to play possession football.

Now that we are about to get Antony, I think Ten hag will mostly use him only in games where we counter. He will be the first one off the bench in others, which is what he should have been from the beginning.

 

[Escobar]

I thought he took his goal really well, not an easy angle to score against a top goalkeeper. He might finally put in the work required again

 

[In Rainbows]

Where do they get those stats btw? Are there anymore of his teammates?

 

[AjaxCunian]

One thing I noticed is how he didn't seem to think that his goal could have been offside, not sure what to make of that.

Oppo fans are still debating that it was offside, mind.

 

[Teja]

I think he'll slowly transition to CF and compete with Martial for the spot. His biggest asset is his off the ball running. Will create a lot of space for Bruno by doing it.

Martial"s obviously a totally different kind of player and I think both will have their chances.

Just have to question what Ronaldo will do in the squad

 

[roonster09]

I think he'll slowly transition to CF and compete with Martial for the spot. His biggest asset is his off the ball running. Will create a lot of space for Bruno by doing it.

Martial"s obviously a totally different kind of player and I think both will have their chances.

Just have to question what Ronaldo will do in the squad

Rashford has good movement from wide position. He makes those outside FB runs consistently. As a CF he lacks too many things and also he can't bring others into play like Martial can.

 

[Idxomer]

Rashford as a striker against Liverpool - 13 touches, 0 dribbles, 2 blocked shots, 1 accurate pass.

As a wide forward - 19 touches, 3 dribbles, 3 shots, 4 accurate passes.

 

[Teja]

Rashford has good movement from wide position. He makes those outside FB runs consistently. As a CF he lacks too many things and also he can't bring others into play like Martial can.

Sort of agree but I think his movement in behind when he plays centrally is good too. His general link up play / dribbling / passing are terrible regardless of where he starts.

I think it's really important for wingers to be able to create threatening situations when they receive the ball against an isolated fullback and Rashford just doesn't offer that. I feel like all of his successful dribbles are just nutmegs. He used to have an elastico here or there in his locker but he just isn't doing that anymore.

In a traditional 4-4-2 I think he'd have been a good second striker. Given Bruno almost plays like a #9.5 maybe Rashford can just get away with being a Chicharito type poacher.

 

[Foxbatt]

Sort of agree but I think his movement in behind when he plays centrally is good too. His general link up play / dribbling / passing are terrible regardless of where he starts.

I think it's really important for wingers to be able to create threatening situations when they receive the ball against an isolated fullback and Rashford just doesn't offer that. I feel like all of his successful dribbles are just nutmegs. He used to have an elastico here or there in his locker but he just isn't doing that anymore.

In a traditional 4-4-2 I think he'd have been a good second striker. Given Bruno almost plays like a #9.5 maybe Rashford can just get away with being a Chicharito type poacher.

No he cannot. Because Hernadez is an extremely good mover and he creates space for himself. Then he is a very good header of the ball. Rashford's is one of the worst in heading in the team. He cannot hold up the ball either.

 

[marc1_007]

I reckon there will be at least a 50% improvement in Rashford's overall game if he looked up a bit more, seeing as he has not improved any of his technical or tactical abilities since he came into the team, if he became just a bit more unselfish and does not continuosly shoot on sight when he can make the extra pass, he will be a much better footballer.

When Martial beat his defender and had a one on one with Allison, he decided to give Donny an easy tap in because there was a higher percentage that Donny will tap it into an empty net but he got it wrong and Allison was able to deflect the pass, but on another day maybe he dinks it or the pass gets through and its an easy tap in, but at least he was aware of his surrounding and decided to make the pass, whereas with Rashford, he goes on a lucky run, gets into the box and if he looks up and passes to Martial, its a much easier goalscoring chance but as usual, he does not look and takes a shot and in the end it was a much closer game than it should have.been.

I wonder in the interview with the panel, when Ten Hag said to make the extra pass if he meant Rashford, I hope so because maybe the coaching staff can keep drumming it in to his head that he should always look for a player in a better position and I guarantee if he does he will be a much better player in the style of football Ten Hag wants to play and if we do end up buying Antony, then Sancho will be shifted to the left and Sancho is a much better decision maker than Rashford, so his decision making will be a very important factor in determining if he keeps his place in the team after the end of the transfer window.

 

[KikiDaKats]

Rashford as a striker against Liverpool - 13 touches, 0 dribbles, 2 blocked shots, 1 accurate pass.

As a wide forward - 19 touches, 3 dribbles, 3 shots, 4 accurate passes.

You know you’re referencing one individual player in two very different roles in one game.

 

[Apokalips]

You know you’re referencing one individual player in two very different roles in one game.

I think his point is that Rashford can't play as a #9 and is much better from wide?

 

[Idxomer]

You know you’re referencing one individual player in two very different roles in one game.

I'm just saying Rashford does his best work as a wide forward, while his influence on the game as a striker is rather minimal. When Martial came on, he got on the ball more than him and passed the ball well from the same position.

 

[OmarUnited4ever]

Because Hernadez is an extremely good mover and he creates space for himself

Remember that game vs Bolton when toyed with Gary Cahill with his movement

 

[17Larsson]

This is impressive stuff.

But it also begs a question, right?

It certainly does beg a question. 7.5km for a winger is pathetic.

If he continues to put the effort in and he can help United win then brilliant, we'll forgive and forget but I'll never understand how a professional footballer playing in front of thousands (millions on tv) can put in anything less than maximum effort every game.

Anyway we'll keep it positive and hopefully more of the same again next week. Eric won't stand for anything less anyway so at least finally the players (and us fans) know there are consequences for poor performance/effort

 

[KikiDaKats]

I'm just saying Rashford does his best work as a wide forward, while his influence on the game as a striker is rather minimal. When Martial came on, he got on the ball more than him and passed the ball well from the same position.

I understand. Just pointing out those stats are not only misleading but spitefully brought to the table.

 

[KikiDaKats]

I think his point is that Rashford can't play as a #9 and is much better from wide?

Yeah I know.. I also believe he is an awful wide man, considering we are still pointing out his lack of creativity or dribbling abilities or eye for a pass. The creativity of Martial gave him that good showing out wide, either roles he suffers from the same issues. At least centrally he gets a straighter run to goal and pull defenders wide.
Compare his impact when Martial was central with when Ronaldo was central.

 

[Harry190]

Maybe the issue is that he is a 60 min player in the sense that he can only be good if he plays for 60 mins at a high intensity and you then sub him out. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[Olecurls99]

Yeah I know.. I also believe he is an awful wide man, considering we are still pointing out his lack of creativity or dribbling abilities or eye for a pass. The creativity of Martial gave him that good showing out wide, either roles he suffers from the same issues. At least centrally he gets a straighter run to goal and pull defenders wide.
Compare his impact when Martial was central with when Ronaldo was central.

When he's on his game he's a great left sided winger. He's still fast, can beat a man, shoot well and can pick a pass when his confidence is sky high. He'll also put in a good shift.

We've seen him at his worst this past year. Not working, devoid of confidence and I think a lot of that is down to how the club has been run. I think it hurts him more than most.

But with grafters around him like Malacia and Martinez hopefully their enthusiasm will rub off on him and we'll get 2020 Rashy back.

P. S. He'd still make a good 9 playing off the last man imo

 

[Amar__]

I remember our 2008-2013 sides(when I followed the stats the most anyway), midfielders would cover 10-12km(Carrick was alwaya above 11km), and Nani and Valencia were on 9-11km on average even when teams camped against us.

 

[GueRed]

Looked like a completely different player the other night from the one we've watched the last twelve months.

Aggression, full of energy and purposeful running.

Liverpool leaving lots of space for him to run in behind helped tbf

Hopefully old the Rashford is back..

 

[Replenish]

He'll be back to stinking the place out tomorrow with no space to run into. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[UpWithRivers]

I have a theory based on nothing but guesswork. I think Rashford sees himself as a number 9. Its stupid because he is can do it in some games but he is no Haaland etc. Maybe he thinks he's Henry? Anyway that would explain his head being all over the place last year. Ronaldo came in and he knew he had no chance and then whats worse is he went RW. It might not even be intentional but he plays not with the thinking Ill kick arse in any position but I should be number 9. It also explains why against Liverpool he went up levels for the first time in ages. He was determined to prove he was a striker. It might also answer why we are after 50 wingers and no strikers. Even in pre-season he wasnt quite at it like most of the rest of the team. Anyway we will see I guess but I think we will see Rashford as striker a lot this season.

 

[red woppit]

I reckon there will be at least a 50% improvement in Rashford's overall game if he looked up a bit more, seeing as he has not improved any of his technical or tactical abilities since he came into the team, if he became just a bit more unselfish and does not continuosly shoot on sight when he can make the extra pass, he will be a much better footballer.

When Martial beat his defender and had a one on one with Allison, he decided to give Donny an easy tap in because there was a higher percentage that Donny will tap it into an empty net but he got it wrong and Allison was able to deflect the pass, but on another day maybe he dinks it or the pass gets through and its an easy tap in, but at least he was aware of his surrounding and decided to make the pass, whereas with Rashford, he goes on a lucky run, gets into the box and if he looks up and passes to Martial, its a much easier goalscoring chance but as usual, he does not look and takes a shot and in the end it was a much closer game than it should have.been.

I wonder in the interview with the panel, when Ten Hag said to make the extra pass if he meant Rashford, I hope so because maybe the coaching staff can keep drumming it in to his head that he should always look for a player in a better position and I guarantee if he does he will be a much better player in the style of football Ten Hag wants to play and if we do end up buying Antony, then Sancho will be shifted to the left and Sancho is a much better decision maker than Rashford, so his decision making will be a very important factor in determining if he keeps his place in the team after the end of the transfer window.

I believe that Rashford under Ole, was coached to shoot from anywhere around the box, which he can do, but percentage wise is not ideal, I also believe that ETH will be coaching Rashford to do what you have stated, to weigh up the situation, and if someone is in a perfect position to score then give them the ball.
We will see over the next few months if Rashford can adapt those principles, if in deed that is what he is being coached to do.
I have no problem with Rashford having a pop from outside the box on occasion, but only the odd time.

 

[TOKUGAWA-X]

Time for Marcus to step up as our 9 as the usual no Martial because he is injured hits us again.

 

[Replenish]

I have a theory based on nothing but guesswork. I think Rashford sees himself as a number 9. Its stupid because he is can do it in some games but he is no Haaland etc. Maybe he thinks he's Henry? Anyway that would explain his head being all over the place last year. Ronaldo came in and he knew he had no chance and then whats worse is he went RW. It might not even be intentional but he plays not with the thinking Ill kick arse in any position but I should be number 9. It also explains why against Liverpool he went up levels for the first time in ages. He was determined to prove he was a striker. It might also answer why we are after 50 wingers and no strikers. Even in pre-season he wasnt quite at it like most of the rest of the team. Anyway we will see I guess but I think we will see Rashford as striker a lot this season.

Sorry but it's an awful theory. Rashford if anything was average to poor in the first half against Liverpool when he was up front and played much better in the second half when he was on the left. He's also played all of his best football for us when he's been on the left. So even when he was playing a little better a couple of years ago, it was on the left, and it would have been say, martial, greenwood up front or going even further back, Zlatan or Rooney. Was he also annoyed about not being played up front then while having his best form on the left? Your theory make no sense but if it was in any way correct, to play crap because you want to play up front would make his poor form even less excusable.

 

[Swiss_Red89]

I think he will score again today

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

Hope the Liverpool game really boost his confidence and maintain the same of high work rate.

 

[bosnian_red]

We'll see how he does vs Southampton. I honestly think it's a Ronaldo vs Martial thing. I think Ronaldo is the worst possible player to pair Rashford with. Rashford is a wide forward, when Ronaldo plays he has to play as a winger where he sacrifices a lot of his running in behind for things he isn't as good at, while Ronaldo just goes in the same spaces as he doesn't take up normal striker position.

So I can see him having a poor game if Ronaldo starts unfortunately. All the more reason to get rid of Ronaldo, but anyway.