Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has insisted that one Manchester United star is facing a “situation” he has “never” experienced before after the arrival of Ruben Amorim.
Ruben Amorim took charge of his first Manchester United match on the weekend and the Red Devils walked away with a point against Ipswich Town.
Marcus Rashford broke the deadlock only two minutes into the Premier League encounter at Portman Road before Ipswich Town rallied back before half-time.
Omari Hutchinson cancelled out Marcus Rashford’s opener and United were unable to re-establish their dominance over Kieran McKenna’s men.
Ipswich fought back against Amorim’s side and could have snatched a win against the Red Devils, but both sides settled for a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s clash.
Amorim has been at United since the start of the November international break after he left Sporting CP and replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout.
Erik ten Hag was sacked as United manager in late October and Ruud van Nistelrooy served a four-match interim managerial spell before Amorim’s arrival.
Merson talks situation with Man Utd star
Speaking on Sky Sports, Paul Merson was far from convinced with what he saw from Marcus Rashford in Ruben Amorim’s first Manchester United match.
Rashford was played down the middle against Ipswich Town rather than out on the wing, with Amorim immediately opting for a 3-4-2-1 formation for United.
The 27-year-old United star scored early in his first match since the start of the November international break, but Rashford’s influence waned in the clash.
Rashford was withdrawn in the 68th minute and replaced by United striker Rasmus Hojlund for the remainder of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Portman Road.
“I’m a great believer that the cream always rises to the top,” Merson said, as per Stretty News.
“We talk about talent, we talk about great players, but great players work hard and he’s worked hard to get where he is.
“He’s never had this situation where he’s not first-choice anymore. He needs to get a bit [more] consistent.”
Merson on Rashford’s position change at Man Utd
Rashford has struggled for form this season and the Red Devils forward has netted only five times in 19 appearances across all competitions.
The England star’s form fell off a cliff last season under former United boss Erik ten Hag, with Rashford scoring only eight times in 43 matches across all competitions.
Merson admitted that he was not a big fan of seeing Rashford play down the middle and has raised his concerns about where he will fit into the team under Amorim.
“I don’t like him as a centre-forward,” he added.
“I don’t think he is a centre-forward. Having his back to play isn’t Marcus Rashford.
“Holding the ball up, he needs to be running with the ball at goal, not having his back to goal. I don’t know where they will find space for him in this team – that’s my big worry.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
