Marcus Rashford is at a delicate place in his career where he needs to convince Barcelona to sign him permanently, and Thomas Tuchel has now sent him a warning of what he needs to do.
A good start to the season for Marcus Rashford has raised hope that Barcelona will sign him permanently, and perhaps the player is feeling that too.
That’s probably why he was happy to blame Man Utd’s inconsistent environment for his poor form and lack of consistency recently.
After the Spanish media noted the same, Thomas Tuchel has now sent a warning to him about his potential being a ‘dangerous’ word.
Thomas Tuchel warns Marcus Rashford
Tuchel has not been shy about talking up Rashford when he does well, but, at the same time, is eager to bring him back down to earth by demanding more.
Be it his comments about Rashford not being a striker or challenging him to be better, Tuchel has clearly taken a personal interest in unleashing the best of Rashford.
The latest gauntlet from the England manager is the clearest one yet, with Tuchel challenging Rashford to make good on his limitless potential with some choice words.
He said: “It’s not a question of talent, it’s a question of whether he can prove the point at club and international level. I think the limit for him is very, very high. Maybe higher than for others.
“He has the potential – but potential is a dangerous word with high-level sports. You have to reach your personal best on a regular basis – that is what is demanded on this kind of level, and that is the challenge for him.
“He is explosive, he is fast, he is strong in the air, so where are the limits? There are no limits – but the numbers don’t reach the potential, it is as easy as that.”
Tuchel’s point is similar to Ruben Amorim’s at Man Utd
Rashford’s fine form at Barcelona has become another stick to beat Man Utd with, much like the case of Rasmus Hojlund, but what Tuchel is saying here isn’t much different from what Ruben Amorim demanded.
When Rashford was exiled last season, Amorim said he wanted to see more desire from Rashford to do his best, in training and during games.
The point was that Rashford had lost the will to address that point at Old Trafford because he mentally lost motivation.
As long as he is motivated, he will address these points and show glimpses of world-class form, but that’s the difference between good players and world-class ones.
The latter do it every day, while the former do it when they feel like it. Tuchel wants to see him take that leap that he refused at United.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
