Ragnick said back time that Rashford was one of the best striker in premier league. And when Uniteds center forward were out of injury Cavani and Ronaldo. Ragnick play Pobga as a false 9 and CF. Ahead of a natural CF in Rashford. It will help on the players confidence and as a manager you actually is playing with peoples mind. If the manager doesnt get a explanation.
Same with Pep doing with City. Playing all not natural CF and attacking players ahead of a natural CF in Gabriel Jesus. All decend CF in football will score a lot of goals playing for City. With the consistent service from really really good attacking players in Bruyne, Mahrez, Foden, Gundogan and Silva. Pep just want to be smart and playing smart. The truth are the consistent top service City attacking players. Players like mentioned dont need to coach to playing well attacking football. They are top level on creative and skill ful with the ball. So no matter what Pep is trying to do with City. Lucky him he has work with top world class players in Messi and Barca, Bayern and City. Pep would be in trouble if he manage current Everton or Southampton squad.
Again. If a manager pick a midfield player ahead of a natural CF. If you dont explain and have a good argument for it. Then you are playing with peoples and players confidence and mind. If no CF are available. Its understandable to play a creative midfield player upfront. But Pobga doesnt have the top speed and acceleration to play a CF special set up for counter attack.
And the problem with United struggling to score not only they were not clinical. But the biggest reason is the manager keep playing McFred. Even against second bottom of the table in Watford. At home. Are you so that safe. That against Watford. You dont have guts to start with a lot more attacking midfield or XI?Shall not United as team go out and dominate Watford?Starting with two ballwinner CM against Watford. It just show me how much guts and risk you will take as person and manager.
So in the end. Ragnick same as Ole has play big part on Rashford poor form. Include a not good team and CM duo to achieve top 4. All units are related to each others. Each Units are no isolate from others units. Many times it start with the manager team selection and tactic. Which energy, guts and mind he is go into the game and spread to his players.