"He doesn’t look happy" - Joe Cole urges 'class' Manchester United attacker to make one change to his game
Joe Cole has told Marcus Rashford to work on his body language amid a long difficult period for the Manchester United forward. He's lacked confidence since last season and has managed four goals and two assists in 11 games across competitions this campaign.
Rashford, 26, has constantly cut a frustrated figure which has coincided with a dissapointing spell. He's dealt with off-field issues and also lost his place in the England national team, sitting out the Three Lions' Euro 2024 campaign.
Cole thinks Rashford's struggles stem from his playing attitude and he suggests that the Manchester-born attacker works on building his confidence. The Chelsea legend told Paddy Power:
"Marcus Rashford is a super talented player and he’s done some incredible things in his career, but you want to improve his body language. I don’t know whether it’s the environment at Manchester United or if it’s him, but he doesn’t look happy. "
Rashford was in terrific form in the 2022-23 campaign in Erik ten Hag's first season in charge. He put up the best numbers of his career with 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 games across competitions.
Cole acknowledged Rashford as class player whose just out of form and expects to see improvement if he works on his body language:
"His body language on the pitch is something that he could focus on. Form is temporary and class is permanent, so he will come back to his best as he’s a class player, but I think if he applies himself to be positive with his body language, how he plays and everything else daily, I’m sure we’ll see an improvement from him."
- Joe Cole
Marcus Rashford needs to start firing amid Manchester United's poor start to the season
Rashford's lack of consistency has coincided with United experiencing their worst start to a Premier League campaign in their history. They sit on eight points from seven games and have won just two while losing three.
The 60-cap England international has been one of the Red Devils' protagonists since breaking into the senior team nearly a decade ago. That burden has perhaps weighed heavy on the Englishman who looks devoid of confidence at the moment.
Red Devil Armada Verdict
There is always talk regarding Rashford's future whether that be when he's flourishing or putting in uninspiring performances. He remains one of the first names on Ten Hag's teamsheets but his current struggles are problematic for the Reds who have counted on him for several years. If he plays with a more positive mindset this might help him get back to his best.
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