Last Chance Saloon: Marcus Rashford needs to shine for Manchester United against Southampton
Marcus Rashford has cut a frustrated figure throughout the past year, including the start of Manchester United's 2024-25 campaign. The 26-year-old has gone from being the Red Devils' protagonist to their under-fire passenger.
Rashford enjoyed the best season of his career during Erik ten Hag's debut campaign in charge at Old Trafford. He posted a remarkable 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 games across competitions, his best tally to date. That's why the attacker's drop-off in form has been so alarming. In the season gone by, he managed just eight goals and six assists in 43 games across competitions.
Marcus Rashford must take center stage for Manchester United against Southampton
Ten Hag has stuck by the 60-cap England international through his struggles, opting to drop the likes of Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho. Rashford was one of the better performers in Manchester United's 3-0 home loss to Liverpool last time out.
However, Rashford's prominence in Ten Hag's starting XI has started causing a stir on social media with many asking how he's ahead of Amad and Garnacho. The latter has started one of three league games this season and the Argentine teenager may feel he warrants the right flank starting role.
Rashford can prove a point on Saturday (September 14) and turn a corner when the Red Devils travel to St Mary's to face Southampton. The Saints are struggling for form since their promotion to the Premier League and could be there for the taking.
The English forward has a solid record against the hosts, bagging two goals and four assists in 13 games across competitions. A goal contribution this weekend would do him a world of good and also help lift United out of its precarious position.
"The goals will come" - Ten Hag on Rashford's goal drought
Marcus Rashford wasn't at the races for Manchester United when they lost to Manchester City in the Community Shield. He had several opportunities at goal but couldn't get on the scoresheet, but this didn't concern his manager.
Ten Hag was asked about Rashford's lack of goals post-match and the Dutch coach backed his forward (via The Guardian):
"He is experienced enough to deal with this. Once he scores one, the goals will come."
Rashford's topsy-turvy form has plagued the past few years of his career. He broke onto the scene in 2015 and quickly had fans at Old Trafford up off their feet with his energy, attacking intent and goalscoring prowess. He's hit 131 goals and 69 assists in 406 games for the Red Devils.
Rashford sent a message to his doubters during the international break
Rashford posted several intriguing social media posts during the international break. They were videos of him working hard in the gym and practicing on the pitch which could be a message to those doubting him.
England were in UEFA Nations League action during the international break but Rashford failed to earn a call up. This comes after he sat out the Three Lions' Euro 2024 campaign, the first major international tournament he's missed since debuting in May 2016.
Rashford can swat away the onslaught of negativity that has ensued regarding his situation with a match-winning performance against Southampton. Ten Hag's 14th-placed Manchester United certainly could do with him hitting his stride.