After reaching the World Cup semifinals, England’s unexpectedly golden generation return to their Premier League clubs with vastly enhanced reputations. Yet while most will have regular places in the starting XI, Marcus Rashford goes back to Old Trafford with an uncertain future.
Though the 20-year-old was outstanding in one of Manchester United’s most significant wins of last season — a 2-1 home win over Liverpool — he did not manage to escape his role as an impact substitute and started 17 Premier League games, with 18 on the bench. And that followed him to Russia as he played just 211 minutes, coming off the bench five times and starting once.
Given his considerable ability, he may feel entitled to more. The question is where he goes from here? Rashford is in the same situation for his club as for his country. He is behind Harry Kane for the role as sole striker for the national team, and behind Romelu Lukaku in the same position at United. While he is in competition with Alexis Sanchez and Anthony Martial for a spot on his favoured left-flank — the area from which he has delivered his most devastating performances in a United shirt — he does not really fit Gareth Southgate’s 3-5-2 as England get their width from wing-backs rather than wingers.
It seems a difficult predicament, but it is easy to forget that Rashford is still only 20. It makes sense for him to stay put and survey his options for a season at least.
New signings may also make his job easier. Jose Mourinho is reportedly pursuing Alex Sandro from Juventus, and the Brazilian’s extra attacking thrust would allow Rashford to operate closer to goal in an inside-left position that sees him at his best.
A tactical shift could also be to Rashford’s benefit. Mourinho is not particularly keen on playing with two strikers, but there is another factor which might make him change his mind.
Paul Pogba’s remarkable World Cup, where he showed himself totally comfortable in a two-man midfield, might encourage Mourinho to use a bolder approach in certain games, perhaps fielding two conventional wingers and Rashford alongside Lukaku up front.