It’s time. Marcus Rashford, this is your chance to shine.
The 20-year-old returns from his three-game suspension this weekend and does so at the perfect time.
Alexis Sanchez is out of sorts, and Romelu Lukaku is no better right now. He should be in the doghouse after a poor effort in the Carabao Cup in midweek. It’s time to drop both.
This weekend United travel to West Ham, who have restored their confidence after a poor start to the season. They won their Carabao Cup game 8-0 last night against Macclesfield.
Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini won’t be happy to see Rashford.
It was the United striker who struck the winner over his City side at The Etihad in 2016, his last ever Manchester derby. Can he haunt him again?
Rashford really is needed
Rashford has had limited chances this season. When he has played, it has been on the wing. The frustration boiled over when he was sent off against Burnley.
Now he has served his suspension, while maintaining his fitness in the Champions League last week, and by starting for England, winning acclaim with goalscoring performances.
There were calls for Rashford to get more club chances in his favoured striker position. Some pundits even called on him to leave United to do so. He really shouldn’t have to.
Lukaku’s poor form and Sanchez’s own situation means there is no better time than to throw a fresh, recharged Rashford in to lead the line this weekend.
United need inspiration right now. Not for the first time, this special young strike talent can be the one to provide it. We are lucky to have him, let’s use him.