Marcus Rashford enjoyed a stunning 2022/23 season under Erik ten Hag but the comedown from that campaign has been long and brutal for the 26-year-old.
Rashford scored 30 goals in all competitions last season, becoming the first United player to hit the 30-goal mark since Robin van Persie did so 11 years ago.
This season, Rashford has scored just seven goals and there have been calls for the winger to be dropped amid a dramatic drop in form.
It is no longer certain that Rashford will be in the line-up going into any game, with Alejandro Garnacho also vying for that left-wing spot.
Rashford’s status in the side has led to speculation surrounding his future, with Paris Saint-Germain said to be holding a longstanding interest in the England star.
Speaking recently, former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen, who was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s backroom staff, has commented on Rashford’s form, arguing that a new coach could help the winger rediscover his form.
“It’s difficult to see Marcus Rashford perform as he is this season as last season he was excellent and also was a big part of England’s World Cup campaign,” Meulensteen is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News.
“Rashford burst on the scene so well and has performed really well for Manchester United. There has been a lot of pressure on him and one can argue he hasn’t had the quality of players around him to benefit his game.
“He is a Manchester lad and it would be a shame if he leaves as I believes he understands what it means to player for Manchester United. But it’s not just Rashford who isn’t playing to their full potential. Maybe a change of coach can help him.”
United are expected to make widespread changes to the squad this summer, with INEOS set to lead an overhaul of the personnel.
It remains to be seen whether Rashford is one of the players to be let go in order to fund incoming transfers. The Wythenshawe-born forward is one of the players with the highest sale value.
There are also question-marks over Erik ten Hag’s future, with there being no guarantees that the Dutchman will remain in charge beyond next week’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Marcus is a very talented player and 20+ goals per season should be the norm. It hasn’t happened this season: I don’t know why, and possibly Marcus doesn’t know either.
But it’s not just him, the whole of this wretched season has been ‘ why is this happening? why can’t it be sorted?’ You all know my views on ETH: he reminds me of a Tory MP / Prime Minister – if you just say something often enough, then magically it will become true. Wish I had a tenner for every time I’ve read “Eric ten Hag insists…” Hey ho, I’ve drifted now owing to too much vino, but point is: Rashford is a great player, he’s staying with us, and next season – new Manager or ETH sorting his life out – he’ll be back scoring in the high twenties.
So it means this Rashford guy can only do well with new Manager? This guy has been at the club for a long time now but he’s never been consistent but someone today feels he needs a new Manager? We need to consider replacing such players as they have not helped the Man United rebuild over time.
I fully agree with coach Rene, Marcus is a true blue Manchester United lad n what he needs is a better manager to handle the whole team as well as Marcus! He’s been suffering from a broken stable relationship with his former partner, childhood sweethearts! It’s a shame but he’s life is in disarray but nobody understands him n he especially needs a coach to understand that.
I want to see Kieran McKenna, who’s also a true red, to manage this young bunch of lads coming thru the Academy, bring Mason Greenwood & Jason Sancho back n together with Marcus, they’ll overrun the Premier League like never before!! Don’t forget, these 3 guys are the best of buddies, and they love playing with each other, their understanding with each other is the understatement of the century! Don’t keep them apart. Please, they need to play like the old days, have purpose n attack & defend as a team!