2016-17 Manchester United Season Performance Review: Marcus Rashford
By Wyatt Miner
Marcus Rashford made regular appearances in most matches this season for Manchester United, how did he do?
When Jose Mourinho came to Manchester United last summer, all spots on the field were up for grabs. Despite being a young player, Marcus Rashford impressed the boss, and he became a regular fixture in all competitions. The 2016/17 season was a milestone year for the young English striker.
Marcus Rashford made 32 appearances for the Red Devils; totaling 13 wins, 5 losses, and a whopping 14 draws. Of the 32 appearances he made, he managed to score 5 goals from the wing. Additionally, he assisted once this season.
At times, Marcus Rashford displays his full potential, but he simply did not do the numbers supporters expected him to do. Nevertheless, at 19 years old, Rashford can only get better. The 19 year old played the wing most of the time; which is a lot different than the role he played last year. With the introduction of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, came a position change for the Englishman.
However, once Ibrahimovic suffered from injury, Rashford found himself as center striker once again.
What about defense?
In this season alone, Marcus Rashford showed versatility. Not only would he attack, but he would also drop and play defense. In fact, he made 16 successful tackles, blocked 11 shots, and made 12 interceptions.
Usually, you will not find a winger to come back and play defense, but Rashford is a different story. Marcus Rashford consistently made defensive efforts, and Mourinho surely took note of that. Perhaps, that is the reason why he regularly secured a starting position.
What about next season?
Rashford was a fun player to watch grow this year. He ran all over defenses with ease, but what about next year? It is predictable that the young striker will continue to grow into his role at the club. Maybe next year he will score 10 goals instead of 5. Manchester United are finding their form at the right time.
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In short, Rashford had a good season. He regularly helped Manchester United win the big games, and he is only 19 years old. In the many seasons to come, it will be exciting to see a youth academy product grow into a big star. After all, “like Rashford, Manchester is Red.”