Kyle Walker is well aware of the threat his England teammate, Marcus Rashford, poses ahead of today’s Manchester derby.
It’s no secret that Rashford’s start to the campaign has been a significant drop-off from how he signed off last season; a 30-goal feat for the first time in his career saw him win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award after his scintillating contributions led Manchester United to silverware and a top-four finish. He was subsequently rewarded with a new and improved contract over the summer.
Lately though, Rashford has struggled in trying to replicate the same form and numbers he was producing over the past year. He’s found the back of the net just once in 12 appearances thus far as United have endured their worst start to a campaign in 34 years, with their lack of firepower in attack often cited as a cause for concern.
The 25-year-old provided the winning goal in last term’s derby at Old Trafford, sending the Stretford End into hysterics, and should he do so again this afternoon, it could work wonders for his confidence as the Reds approach a pivotal run of fixtures.
Walker on Rashford
Walker is expecting his international teammate to cause problems for City today and said pre-match (via The Mirror): “I think Marcus has shown over the years that he’s the sort of player who can create problems for any side if they don’t match him. He’s been important for both United and England since he was a teenager because of the threat he offers to any team he’s in.
“He’s got a lot of different qualities. We know he can be dangerous at the weekend.”