As Manchester United prepare to face Pep Guardiola and Manchester City this weekend, Jose Mourinho faces a managers dream problem; which in form superstars does he play? One man who simply can no longer be ignored is homegrown whiz kid, Marcus Rashford.
The International break is over, and it is time to get back to the business of the most exciting Premier League season in recent years. For Manchester United the break provided a look at some of their young and newest talent on the international stage.
It also provided an extended rest for their top goalscorer this year. As Zlatan Ibrahimovic is retired from the Sweden national team, he was able to enjoy the last 2 weeks focusing on his training and fitness. So it is a fair assumption that Jose Mourinho will once again start the man with the no.9 shirt.
Rising Star;
Marcus Rashford got his first taste of premier league football against Hull City. Coming on as a 71st minute substitute and once again taking the mantle of “home town hero” scoring a stoppage time winner. In the days leading up to those heroics, Rashford had been informed by new England manager Sam Allardyce that due to his lack of first team opportunities he would not be playing for the national senior team.
Instead the 18 year old forward would be playing for England’s under 21 team. Now young Marcus could have taken this as a sign things weren’t going well. But instead he chose to make a point.
Hat Trick Hero;
England u21 coach Gareth Southgate must have felt like all his Christmas’ had arrived at once! A player like Rashford that has a pure natural talent and a keen goalscorer eye does not come along that often. This was proven in the 29th minute as against the run of play, Rashford picked up the ball some 50 yards from goal and darted forward. Using his speed and skill he made it through on goal and poked the ball home.
More from Playing for 90
- Alexia Putellas reaches 400 games with Barcelona
- Everything you need to know ahead of the 250th ‘Super Clásico’
- Barcelona put five past Real Betis
- Manchester City suffer but come away with win over West Ham
- Baffling Liga MX ruling strips Puebla of a hard-earned victory
He then scored off a deflected shot in the 66th minute before winning and converting a penalty in the 72nd minute to cap off an impressive u21 debut. Most players will score on their u21 debut before their senior debut, but we have learned by now Marcus Rashford is not most players.
Impressive debut record;
Marcus Rashford made his Manchester United debut on February 25th of this year. Having begun playing for Manchester United youth at the age of 7 years old. The Manchester born lad completed a dream by scoring 2 on his first team debut by scoring 2 second half goals against Midtjylland.
This was also his European debut so he immediately had 2 boxes ticked. Next was his premier league debut against old foes Arsenal… He again would score twice and added an assist for good measure in a very competitive game. Then came his Manchester derby debut on March 20th.
Rashford scored the game’s only goal earning the Red Devils their first win at the Etihad since 2012. It is also worth noting that he basically forced Martin Demichelis into retirement. http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/article4717496.ece.
More from Manchester United
- Four forwards Manchester United might like to replace Cristiano Ronaldo
- Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at Manchester United
- Aston Villa vs. Man United: How Erik ten Hag can replace Bruno Fernandes
- Real Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United: Three talking points
- A few pointers to the Cristiano Ronaldo issue at Manchester United
Message sent to Mourinho
So with Marcus Rashford erupting into the form that won our hearts last season, at even the slightest opportunity. Manchester United and Jose Mourinho have a very serious question to answer; can they honestly afford not to play him on Saturday?
The only answer is no. He must play. Even if he only gets half an hour he has proven time and time again that when it matters, Manchester United can rely on Manchester talent!