Martial return can resolve Man Utd striker's frustrating form

A fine showing against Liverpool brought back memories of a youngster who burst onto the scene, but he's far from a complete leading man

Is he back? 

Marcus Rashford scored for Manchester United against Liverpool last week, looking his old threatening self after months of frustrating performances. 

Dangerous runs, shrugging Virgil van Dijk aside and playing with desire; if he and the club are to find their way back up the table, then he is key to their potential success. 

Rashford, it is understood, wants to play through the middle, to be the main man and the central striker. However, he might find that he is more effective when he is no longer in such sharp focus.



There is nothing wrong with a striker wanting to take responsibility because, just as a team goes to pieces if its goalkeeper makes a mistake, a side can't be truly dangerous unless they have someone ruthless at the focal point of the team. 

For now, he seems to be a better finisher the less time he has to think. Some, like Robin van Persie or Thierry Henry, could play in slow motion. Others, like Javier Hernandez or Michael Owen, were at their best before their synapses realised they had been called upon.

Clearly, Rashford and United will hope that he will eventually be that player. A local who the fans can build up as one of their own, and who can represent England too, is ideal for Ed Woodward’s marketing plans. It also makes him less likely to get itchy feet. 

One-club players are rare but can be fundamental to building the core of a successful side; that is just what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims he wants to do, and it is what the club claim they will support him to do.

The problem is that Rashford does not yet appear suited to a leading role. His running against Liverpool was much improved, but counter-attacking a willing victim is playing the game on easy mode. If you have huge areas to attack, executing the basics goes a long way.





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