Manchester United interim boss, Ralf Rangnick, has backed “abundant talent” Marcus Rashford, to rediscover his top form in the colours of the Red Devils.
Marcus Rashford, along with other Manchester United forwards, has been very wasteful in front of goal and this is a concern for fans of the Red Devils as they prepare to take on the Premier League leaders, Manchester City, in the Manchester derby on Sunday.
United will be travelling to the Etihad for the 187th Manchester derby in all competitions on Sunday with hopes of boosting their chances for a top-four place against the defending champions of the Premier League.
United, in their last game, had 22 shots without scoring against relegation strugglers Watford, prompting many fans to complain about their wastefulness in front of goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United’s highest goal scorer in all competitions this season, has only scored once in the past 10 games for the club. However, Rashford’s case especially stands out for United fans as the former golden boy of the United faithful has seen a huge drop in his quality in the past few seasons.
Rangnick believes things will soon turn around for the team and for Rashford especially, who he backed to shine for United in the coming weeks.
Rangnick assures fans of Rashford quality
Rangnick said to journalists in the press conference before the match against Manchester City that he will do all he can to help Rashford regain his form.
“A few things that have happened in the last couple of weeks, or two months couldn’t have been foreseen by anybody,” the German tactician said of United’s goal scoring issues, which has been interpreted to be a reference to Mason Greenwood’s domestic violence charges which led to his suspension by the club.
“Now, with Edinson at least being available for the game and the upcoming games, we have other options.
“With Marcus Rashford, we have another player who I will insist and continuously be behind him and with him, to develop him.
“We have achieved that with quite a few other young players in the past and I don’t see why this should not happen with Marcus.
“He’s got abundant talent, he’s got the pace, he’s got the physicality, he’s got everything that you need for a modern striker, no matter if he’s playing from the wing or in the centre.
“I will put all my energy into that, to help him to take the same pathway that other players did in the last three months.”
Ragnick talks Cavani and McTominay return from injury
Edinson Cavani has been out for five games due to a groin injury. Rangnick talked about the Uruguayan’s return to the squad in the presser, however, his comments suggest that Rashford could be given the nod ahead of the veteran striker.
“Well, it’s good to have him back,” he said of Cavani’s return. “We have one more alternative in a central attacking position but he has been out for three weeks.
“That’s also something we have to bear in mind. I don’t think he could play for more than, I don’t know, half an hour.
“He’s ready for that, for coming on as a sub but I don’t think he can be in contention to start that game.”
25-year-old McTominay missed the Red Devil’s UEFA Champions League last-16 tie at Atletico Madrid through illness, as well as the Watford match. Rangnick said it has had quite an impact on the Scottish midfielder.
“Important to have him available,” the interim boss said. “He’s been training the whole week.
“He’s been out one week only but he was really seriously ill and lost some weight.
“I think he could be in contention for the starting XI but I will decide on that (Saturday) after the last training session.”
