Manchester United now have a lethal attack once again led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Supported by Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood, plus Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba, United are a nightmare for teams to plan against.
Now consider the impact Marcus Rashford is about to have when he returns from injury, expected before the end of this month.
Rashford has scored 43 goals in the past two seasons, 22 in 2019/20 and 21 goals last season.
Playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo is going to make him an even better footballer, and help the Portuguese forward out too.
Rashford’s creativity underrated
Rashford was Manchester United’s second highest assist provider last season behind Bruno Fernandes, providing 12 in total.
Some of Rashford’s best moments came last season with his passing, with crosses supplying Edinson Cavani for headers against Southampton, Everton and Aston Villa.
Cavani is still around, waiting to return from injury himself, and this partnership can continue to flourish when both players are able to link up.
Ronaldo is expected to start more games than Cavani, and his heading ability is arguably even stronger.
The creativity Rashford brings to United is underrated, from his passing to his ability to dribble past players and open up space for his teammates.
Rashford underwent shoulder surgery last month and also has had time to rest an ongoing foot injury.
He managed to score eight goals in 12 games last season before suffering his shoulder injury against Arsenal in November, and then just 13 in the following 45.
A fully fit Rashford could be huge for United. He is an impact player who is going to thrive off the challenge of playing alongside Ronaldo and won’t shy away from the competition.
He is not too far off a return, pictured in training this week looking strong and healthy, like he has been spending extra time in the gym.
So where does Rashford fit in?
Rashford’s best position is on the left wing and this is likely where he will play most of his games for Manchester United upon his return.
Paul Pogba has been playing there to start the season but he is needed more in one of the midfield positions, due to United’s lack of options there.
Rashford and Jadon Sancho will compete for the left wing role, possibly with Martial and Pogba there too, with Sancho also mixing in on the right wing with Mason Greenwood.
Last season Rashford played on the right to accommodate Pogba on the left, and that is an option, although he is more effective on the left side.
Rashford can also lead the line, but this is unlikely to be needed with Ronaldo, Cavani, Greenwood and Martial all competing for central roles already.
Whether Rashford should be in Manchester United’s first choice XI, that is up to him to prove. But he will get his chances, and if he plays like he is capable of, he will take this already dangerous attack to a new level.
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