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After a near-40-goal season final yr, Marcus Rashford has been a shadow of his former type this season.
Regardless of a shock objective within the Manchester derby, his total performances once more left a lot to be desired, and this has change into the theme of the season for the Mancunian.
As one of many best strikers in Premier League historical past, Michael Owen will know a factor or two in regards to the ahead's struggles with consistency.
In an unique interview with The Folks's Individual performed by Bettides, Owen stated {that a} have a look at Rashford's profession trajectory highlights the truth that this season's performances are usually not surprising both.
Owen stated: “Rashford's profession has been a bit like that. He's proven he will be superb one season, then it goes down the drain. From nice gamers you count on nice consistency however Marcus struggles with consistency over lengthy durations of time.
“Everyone knows how proficient he’s together with his velocity and talent degree. He nonetheless stays United's greatest attacking menace. Clearly the principle factor is to get him acting at his high degree once more.”
Though Rashford has struggled for type, he’s not alone in his troubles. The assault as a complete has been poor and this has been exacerbated by the absence of Rasmus Hjölund.
The general scenario was not misplaced on Owen, who stated Rashford would arguably carry out higher in a extra constant attacking setup.
He stated: “If Marcus Rashford goes into the Manchester Metropolis crew tomorrow, I'm certain you will notice higher performances on a extra constant foundation.
“Manchester United, as a complete, may be very inconsistent and he simply exhibits that inconsistency.”
A cursory have a look at the objective returns of United's forwards like Antony or Alejandro Garnacho exhibits that neither ahead has regarded repeatedly harmful on this setup this season.
Nonetheless, whatever the output, Rashford's physique language and visual frustration on the pitch has been a degree of competition amongst followers.
Owen dismissed strategies of Rashford's lack of effort, stressing his homegrown roots, which the participant additionally did in latest feedback.
Owen stated: “I might be very hesitant to query anybody's perspective or their dedication. I believe that's a extremely deep criticism. He was a Manchester United fan rising up.
“He is aware of, most likely higher than anybody, what that membership means to a participant. Continuity is an issue however it’s a team-wide downside.
“I can't say there’s a single participant who has all the time been high class. Your complete crew persistently struggles with the offensive scheme so Marcus will get a variety of the highlight however there are a variety of guys you possibly can level your finger at.
Finally, solely Rashford can silence the critics by discovering the shape that made him considered one of Europe's hottest forwards final season.
Glimpses of inspiration are starting to look once more, as was seen within the Manchester derby. The problem now, as Owen stated, is to tie all of it collectively and get full efficiency.