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After an almost 40-goal season final 12 months, Marcus Rashford has been a shadow of his former self this season.
Regardless of a wondergoal within the Manchester Derby, his general efficiency has left so much to be desired, once more, and it has turn into a theme of the season for the Mancunian.
As one of many biggest strikers in Premier League historical past, Michael Owen would know a factor or two a few ahead’s struggles with consistency.
In an unique interview with The Peoples Individual hosted by Betideas, Owen mentioned that one take a look at Rashford’s profession trajectory highlights the truth that this season’s performances aren’t even surprising.
Owen mentioned: “Rashford’s profession has been a little bit bit like that. He has proven that he may be superb in a single season then it dips. With nice gamers, you count on nice consistency however Marcus struggles with consistency for lengthy intervals.
“Everyone knows how gifted he’s together with his tempo and ability stage. He nonetheless stays United’s greatest attacking menace. The secret is clearly getting him to carry out at his prime stage once more.”
Though Rashford has struggled for kind, he hasn’t been alone in that malaise. The assault, as a complete, has been malfunctioning and the absence of Rasmus Hojlund has exacerbated it.
The holistic state of affairs was not misplaced on Owen, who mentioned Rashford would arguably do higher in a extra coherent attacking setup.
He mentioned: “If Marcus Rashford went into the Manchester Metropolis crew tomorrow, I’m positive you’d see a significantly better efficiency on a extra constant foundation.
“Manchester United, as a complete, are very inconsistent and he simply typifies that inconsistency.”
A cursory take a look at the aim returns of United’s forwards like Antony or Alejandro Garnacho hammer house that time as no ahead has regarded frequently threatening on this season’s setup.
Whatever the output, although, Rashford’s physique language and visual present of frustration on the pitch has been a bone of competition with the followers.
Owen brushed apart ideas of an absence of effort from Rashford, stressing his homegrown roots, one thing which the participant did too in current feedback.
Owen mentioned: “I’d be very hesitant to query any person’s angle or their dedication. I feel that’s a very deep criticism. He was a Manchester United fan rising up.
“He is aware of, most likely higher than anyone, what that membership means to a participant. Consistency is an issue however that’s a team-wide downside.
“I can’t say one participant who has all the time been prime class. The entire crew struggles with a constant plan of assault so Marcus will get numerous headlines however there are lots of people you’ll be able to level a finger at.”
In the end, solely Rashford can silence the critics by looking for out the shape which made him one in all Europe’s hottest forwards final season.
The flashes of inspiration are starting to reappear, as was seen within the Manchester Derby. The problem now, as Owen mentioned, is to string all of it collectively and discover full performances.