Marcus Rashford has been a joy to watch in 2023 so far, unless you are an opposing defender.
The Manchester United forward has been scoring for fun, increasing his tally to 19 goals for the season so far.
The 25-year-old netted another winner at the weekend, making the difference in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
He is a player who is the envy of clubs around the world right now, there is simply nobody in better form.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Rashford showing up Premier League rivals
Marcus Rashford’s goal output is embarrassing two expensively assembled rival squads.
In 2023, Rashford has scored eight goals already. This is the same number as the entire Chelsea and Liverpool teams combined, who have four goals each.
This number shines a light on just how poor both Chelsea and Liverpool have been this season.
Chelsea are down in ninth place despite their big spending, while Liverpool are a place worse off in 10th.
Manchester United currently sit 13 points above Jurgen Klopp’s side, with the manager feeling the pressure.
United still have to play both sides, visiting Liverpool in early March and hosting Chelsea in mid-April. We can only hope their awful run continues.
Rashford can’t continue to outscore their entire teams combined, but for this to even be possible one month and a week into 2023, is quite remarkable.
The United forward scored only five goals the entirety of last season. He has bounced back in a truly spectacular way.
The club need to resolve the longer term issue of Rashford’s new contract, due to expire in June 2024. Right now he looks totally irreplaceable.
At the end of last month, manager Erik ten Hag credited the player for his turnaround, talking down his own input.
He was quoted by The Guardian: “Every player has to make and get his own confidence. He fought for this, he invested in this. Of course with my coaching staff, we bring in structures, especially in the way of play that give him routines that he needs to get into the right position. But finally, it’s up to him.”