Ten Hag may need some Mour advice
IF United are to get the best out of Marcus Rashford again this forthcoming season, the secret to it could be to deploy him on the leftwing.
That is because former United manager Jose Mourinho, who spent two-and-a-half years in charge at Old Trafford, believes that is where the academy graduate is at his best. Rashford was a regular fixture during Mourinho’s tenure in M16, making a total of 125 appearances under the guidance of the Portuguese chief, scoring 28 goals and grabbing 21 assists.
He has played in every role across United’s trademark front-three, earning ample opportunities on the right-wing, left-wing and through the middle as an out-and-out striker.
United want to add a new striker to their ranks this summer following the departure of Edinson Cavani, suggesting that Erik ten Hag has plans to deploy Rashford as a wide player.
Ten Hag will be tasked with trying to get the 24-year-old back to his best this forthcoming campaign after a disastrous 2021/22 season, in which he scored a paltry five goals in 32 appearances. It was a forgettable period for the England international and he will be determined to get back to his best under the new boss, not least in an effort to keep his hopes of making England’s World Cup squad alive.
But if Ten Hag is to succeed in his efforts to get Rashford back close to his best, he may wish to take Mourinho’s advice on board and deploy him on the left. However, Jadon Sancho will be competing for the same berth after producing his best showings in United colours last season down the left-flank.
“I always thought his best position is when he comes from the left to the centre, not when he’s a clear number nine,” Mourinho told Sky Sports back in 2019. “I always thought it was better for him to come from the side, especially the left side.”
United, who will face Brighton on the opening day of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, are actively looking to strengthen their wide options with the signing of Ajax ace Antony. The club believes he is the answer to their long-term pursuit of a right-winger, meaning Rashford will not be guaranteed a starting role under Ten Hag, particularly if Sancho gets the nod.