Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has insisted that Marcus Rashford remains a key player for Manchester United ahead of the game at Manchester City tomorrow.
Rashford’s time at Old Trafford seems to be coming to an end. United are reportedly willing to sell him in the January transfer window or next summer.
He scored three goals in his first three games under manager Ruben Amorim. That has not been enough to cement his place in the starting line-up.
Amorim has failed to start him in the last two Premier League games. He started against Viktoria Plzen but produced a disappointing performance. He was substituted before the hour mark for Rasmus Hojlund.
Despite this, Nicol believes that Rashford should be one of the first names on Amorim’s team sheet.
He told ESPN FC: ” If I am picking United’s team, I have got Rashford before (Joshua) Zirkzee. Hojlund got two goals the other night – I have probably still got him ahead of Hojlund.
“So, at this point in time, he is still the go-to guy, not for any particular reason other than he is still better than what the options are, which is not a flattering statement, is it?”
Should Rashford start against Man City?
Rashford is United’s best-attacking talent, but that is not enough. He has to earn his place in the starting line-up.
He played for almost an hour against Plzen and failed to prove that he should start against Man City.
Rashford did not pose any threat to the Czechia side’s defence and also exposed United defensively. He failed to register a shot and was dispossessed 11 times before his substitution.
Hojlund came on, albeit played in a more advanced position, but proved that he is the Red Devils’ best forward
Rashford can still influence games, but he should come on as a substitute against City.
Stats from sofascore.com.
