Marcus Rashford can use international break to continue his excellent form for England and kick start Manchester United season

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford heads into England’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Croatia tonight with two goals in his last two international appearances. So why does Rashford play better for England? How can he transfer this form onto the pitch for Manchester United?

It’s clear from recent times, that Marcus Rashford has had greater success in an England shirt than a Manchester United one. In his last four starts for the national team, Rashford has scored three goals.

How much of that is down to the influence of Gareth Southgate or the restraints he is under from club manager Jose Mourinho, is something which could be debated.

One thing that is certain is that Southgate believes in Rashford. The forward has played in 24 of Southgate’s 27 matches as England manager. This is a confidence boost on its own, knowing he has the backing to go out and perform almost every time England play.

Yes, Gareth Southgate has a similar philosophy with England captain Harry Kane, but the England manager has been keen to play with two strikers throughout his tenure.

One of the key talking points at this summer’s World Cup was if Marcus Rashford should start ahead of Raheem Sterling. And you felt it was only a matter of time before the switch would happen. Perhaps now, since Rashford has proved himself with two goals in his last two,  that he has asserted himself alongside Kane for a little longer.

Rashford’s stop-start form for Manchester United

When someone in the squad has their shirt number upgraded from 19 to 10, you would often assume that they will be one of the first names on the teamsheet going forward. But the decision to hand Rashford with the iconic jersey seemed more of a homage to his incredible climb through the clubs academy to the first team.

I don’t think this has added any pressure to Rashford as of yet but if he continues to be a bit part player like he is, then people will start to expect more from the number 10, a player who was regarded as one of the world’s greatest young talents.

His form this season, and last, has been a frustrating watch for any Manchester United fan. For example, last season the United starlet wrote his name in history scoring a brace against bitter rivals Liverpool in March. But Rashford failed to score again until the last game of the campaign against Watford.

This season, he came on against Burnley and looked electric. Winning United a penalty and terrorising full-back Phil Bardsley. However, Bardsley had the last laugh antagonising Rashford to get him sent off, resulting in a three-match ban.

This cameo performance summed up Rashford’s United career. Not in terms of the red card but how he burst onto the scene and since then, has never really put a string of good performances together.

What could benefit Rashford going forward?

I believe this international break has come at the perfect time for Marcus Rashford. He always enjoys going away with the England team. It seems to be a weight off his shoulders as he looks more relaxed around camp. This shows on the pitch as well, he plays with flair and confidence, with no fear.

If Rashford can continue his form on the international scene, not only will that be great for England but put him in a good frame of mind when he returns to Carrington. It may also pressurise Jose Mourinho into playing the youngster a bit more often.

But when given the chance for United, Rashford has to take it. I don’t think the style of play at Old Trafford currently suits the former academy grad. For someone who, on the whole, is inexperienced and inconsistent in delivering that final ball, shot, cross, pass, a more attacking style of play would give Rashford more chances to get the decision right.

At the moment we are seeing Rashford have two or three shots a match and he may score two or none at all. Inconsistent. If he was playing in a system and style that enabled him to have five or six shots a match, as he does for England, we may see the Marcus Rashford all Manchester United pray he becomes.

But will Jose change? He will never have a better opportunity. On the back of a 3-2 vintage comeback win for United against Newcastle last Saturday, it is now crystal clear what the Theatre of Dreams faithful demand.

I’m not saying Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic have to play in a back three for the remainder of the season, but a bit more trust in the young, and courage to attack, may be a blessing for not only the fans but for a player like Marcus Rashford too.