Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford’s inability to lead the line was criticised by legendary striker Wayne Rooney.
If there is one player better known than any Manchester United star in recent years for his versatility, it is Wayne Rooney.
Rooney is the club’s record goalscorer, and he could have scored even more goals for the club if he had not been so unselfish.
He played on the wing, behind the striker, in midfield, and probably would have gone in goal if he was asked to. Despite this he managed to net 253 times.
The modern day Manchester United team is very different. Marcus Rashford is one of the team’s stars, but he has famously struggled to play more than one position.
Rashford frustrated up front
Marcus Rashford started up front for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest, just like he did at the weekend against Fulham.
He has been filling in, with both Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial (who?) currently out injured.
It is a role Rashford does not particularly like, but one he has had to play frequently during his career. And he really does not like it, when he has to leave his preferred left-wing position.
Rashford’s body language came in for criticism during the game, while Rooney picked up on his lack of versatility.
Rooney on Rashford
Unlike the super-versatile Wayne Rooney, Rashford is a lot more one-dimensional, showing no signs of changing at the age of 26.
Speaking to the BBC, Rooney said: “He’s better from the left. He’s playing up top with Hojlund injured but you have to want to score.
“He’s not naturally in the best position, he doesn’t really put himself in the best position. That’s why McTominay is important to the way they play.”
Rooney insisted “You can teach it,” to a player, before insisting, “You have to put yourself in the middle of the goal.”
Rashford is no replacement for Hojlund, and what it means is that because he is so stylistically different, the entire team would have to change its way of playing to accommodate the England international.
It would be a lot easier for Rashford to adapt his game to fulfil the role of a traditional centre-forward, but we are still waiting.
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