Rio Ferdinand gives verdict on how in-form Marcus Rashford can improve

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says Marcus Rashford can become a “horrible player to play against,” although if you asked most Premier League defenders nowadays, I reckon they would say he is already is!

Marcus Rashford, 25, has continually improved this season under Erik ten Hag.

There is no stopping him at the moment, with 21 goals so far this season, and the England international is reaching a point where most will agree this is the best form of his career. All despite being overlooked by Gareth Southgate for the most part last in the winter when England reached the quarter-finals of the Qatar World Cup.

Since the return of domestic football following the World Cup, Rashford has found the back of the net 13 times in all competitions. That is four more than any other player in Europe’s top leagues, so with that alone I think he is embarking on ‘world-class’ status.

Rio Ferdinand is demanding more from Rashford and wants him to get more involved in the game. He believes the forward can be even more dangerous should he focus on his movement to ensure he gets the ball more often.

“If I’m a defender sometimes I look at him and he can make it easy for defenders at some points in the game if he offered the threat in behind a bit more he’d get more joy to feet and become the threat in behind still,” the former United defender said on his YouTube channel Vibe with FIVE.

“His decision-making on whether to come long or short, if he gets that he becomes even more of a horrible player to play against.”

Rashford’s main job is to score goals in this United side and it’s helping us win matches. However, Ferdinand correctly points out that he has other strong points in his game that can be improved. We’ve all seen the creative ability he possesses.

Ferdinand added: “I think there’s more of the dominance over 90 minutes that he can bring where he’s bringing other people into the game because you know he’s got the passing.

“We saw that last season, even when he was out of form there were still elements where you were saying ‘wow’. He can produce a pass and put people through on goal if there are runners.

“Once he starts getting that synergy with other people in the team he’ll be able to pick out players more. He can take over a game.”

This is only constructive criticism from Ferdinand— and it’s the type of conversations Rashford will be having with Ten Hag and the coaching staff. United need players who are always looking for ways to improve.

Ferdinand also credits Rashford for adding headers to his game this season, which has been great to watch.

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