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One Year Later: Marcus Rashford Adapts, Remains the Future of Manchester United

By Juan Pimiento

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United (L) attempts to take the ball past Charlie Daniels of AFC Bournemouth (R) during the Premier League match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on March 4, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United (L) attempts to take the ball past Charlie Daniels of AFC Bournemouth (R) during the Premier League match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on March 4, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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After a stunning start to his United career, the 19-year-old Rashford has undergone changes in his second season. In spite of it, he has solidified his reputation not just as one of the brightest young stars in world soccer, but as an essential part of the team’s present and future.

Entering the 2016-2017 season, the topic of Marcus Rashford was approached with hope and skepticism alike.

It was not related at all to the amazing three months when the United faithful witnessed the advent of a new superstar. The arrival of Jose Mourinho opened up doubts as to Rashford’s immediate future on the first team.

Would the scorching hot start to his professional career earn him an improbable starting XI spot? Was it just good enough to settle for a spot with the big boys? Did it not catch the eye of the tough-to-impress Mou?

A little more than a year later, United fans can happily say Rashford is not just here to stay, but he is already indispensable in Jose’s system.

Welcome to Your New Home

The most glaring difference from last season to this one is Rashford’s positioning on the field.

Mourinho has gradually shifted him towards the left wing, away from the center forward spot he had been accustomed to. Last season, Rashford played 28 games at center forward while only two at secondary striker and one as a right winger. This season, however, he has featured 21 games on the left wing, nine at center forward, and four on the right wing, according to Transfermarkt.

This phenomenon can certainly be attributed to the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to be the lead striker. When coinciding in the starting XI, Rashford acquiesces his natural central role in favor of the left wing. In the absence of Ibra, Rashford serves as the first striker option off the bench.

Marcus Rashford has learned to adapt to his new role, and it has given him more life under Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford has learned to adapt to his new role, and it has given him more life under Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

 No Need to Worry Yet, but…

…this brings out the elephant in the room. Playing out on the left wing has taken Rashford away from goal. As a result, the scoring prowess that wowed fans last season simply has not been there.

Granted, it was a tall task to replicate last season’s short sample (nine goals in 18 games at age 18). This season, though, Rashford has not been able to even match the eight goals even with twice as many games played (seven goals in 38 games).

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With a full season under his belt, he has had plenty of opportunities to score. However, these have not come as often as they did last season. Rashford has taken 37 shots in a full season Premier League and Europa League action. Comparatively speaking, he took 26 in his short 2061-16 season.

Jose Mourinho switching his role is most responsible for this trend, but it is up to the player to execute appropriately.

Learning to Adapt

Despite the shift, Rashford has made the most of his new situation by adapting his game.

While the decrease of his scoring chances is concerning, the winger has brought out another of his highlight-reel traits: his dribbling.

The performance against Arsenal and Manchester City is still vivid in the memory of United fans. His incredible dribbling and positioning was on full display on these two unforgettable performances.

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This season, both of these skills have been crucial to his stay in Mourinho’s XI as a left winger, as he has proven capable of dribbling from the left to the center like the best of them. So much so, that he has taken away playing time from Anthony Martial, the apparent sole proprietor of the left wing.

And oh by the way, his striking ability is still there:

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