The rise and rise of Marcus Rashford continues as he enhanced his credentials further by scoring a hat-trick on debut for the England U-21’s against Norway U-21’s. Having been dropped by Sam Allardyce, the current English manager from the senior squad, the youngster made his debut in this age group and completed his treble by putting away a penalty in the 71st minute.
The stupendous form of the youngster is in, has indeed put him in the spotlight for a starting place for the hugely awaited Manchester derby that is coming up this Saturday. Having been promoted to the first team squad by default, the youngster has grabbed every opportunity that has come along his way.
Last season, Rashford did start the derby and was the scorer of the decisive goal that gave his team the victory. Indeed his goal ensured that he became the youngest goal scorer in a Manchester derby as well.
The best compliment that one can give Louis van Gaal is the unearthing of such a talent. Having been handed a debut on a last minute notice, the youngster was sensational as he scored two goals against Midtjylland after Anthony Martial was injured in the warm-up.
His goal scoring debut ensured that he ousted Geroge Best as Manchester United’s youngest ever scorer as well. He continued that form further when on his Premier League debut, he scored twice and provided the assist for his team during a win 3-2 against arch rivals Arsenal.
He has continued his form since then and was a part of the England squad for Euro 2016 as well. His inclusion in the Euro squad was again on the back of his goalscoring debut against Australia when he scored within the first three minutes of the game to become the youngest Englishman to score on his international debut.
Mourinho’s selection dilemma
Rashford’s current form and especially his last gasp winner against Hull City before the international break is sure to influence Mourinho’s decision making while he selects the best team to start the Manchester derby. With old rival, Pep Guardiola, at the helm of Manchester City, Mourinho knows the winner of this derby will gain the twin advantage of bragging rights and the pole position in the league table.
The youngster’s change of pace in that game altered the shape of the match as he was on hand to steer in Wayne Rooney’s perfect centre from close range. Indeed his goal ensured that he became the first teenager to score a Premier League for a team managed by Mourinho, a rare stat indeed.
Already three games into the season, Mourinho has opted to leave the youngster on the bench and on all three occasions, he has opted to start with Mata and Martial to support Ibrahimovic and Rooney upfront. Zlatan has already scored three goals, so it will be difficult to replace him and while Rooney may have found the net only once, his strike partnership with Zlatan has been developing quite nicely.
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One doesn’t expect Zlatan to start all games over the course of the season, but in a game of such stature, the Swede is a sure starter. In order to accommodate Rashford in the starting line-up, there arises the possibility of dropping Mata and Martial. Mata, who was ushered out of Chelsea by Mourinho himself has started all the games this season and has been replaced by Mkhitaryan during the course of most games.
Anthony Martial, on the other hand, hasn’t exactly sparkled on the wing and in comparison to last season, has been ordinary by Manchester United standards. While he did score on international duty with France, he hasn’t been able to replicate the same at club level. The positive news is that the defence looks settled with Eric Bailly leading from the back.
Why Rashford would be a good bet
Zlatan’s presence in the centre means that he is irreplaceable up front. So the only option left for Mourinho is to start Rashford on the wing. Rashford’s direct running and the ability to be a “fox in the box” is a dual quality which Mourinho can use to unnerve the Manchester City defence.
In addition, Rashford’s performances in big match games are also something that can make him a contender to start the match ahead of Martial.
Manchester City, on the other hand, have a defence which isn’t settled yet as well. Nicolas Otamendi is a doubt for the game along with Vincent Kompany, so that will probably leave the defensive pairing of Stones and Kolarov in the centre. In fact, it just may be the best time to let the youngster loose on this defence.
Further, last season’s derby when he left the experienced defender Martin Demichelis hanging on his coattails and in Manuel Pelligrini’s words made the Argentine “nervous” is a sure sign that Rashford can cause havoc when granted the license.
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With goals on debut in various competitions and against big teams, Rashford does rise up to the occasion and has a knack of being present in the right position at the right time. Rashford’s adaptability is also a big plus, for he can make a switch to the right wing and still be effective.
With most managers employing wingers so as to cut in and deliver the in-swinging crosses, Rashford has the ability to function on both the wings and still be a threat.
If temperament is the yardstick, then the youngster has shown time and again that he has the mindset to embrace big occasions. There was even an acknowledgement of his talent in the match report of Louise Taylor of The Guardian, where Mourinho was heard saying, “I was expecting a difficult match. At half-time I told them we were playing against a very organised Hull with an amazing spirit and our play had to be intense.
“We needed a bit of luck to score but I think we deserved it completely. And Rashford is very good. He gave us diversity. He’s going to play a lot of matches.”
Another reason for starting Rashford is that being a local lad, he understands the significance of a derby game and it would be a win-win for both player and manager if he does choose to start Rashford.
Local pride is at stake when both these clubs face each other and Rashford having been born and brought up in Manchester will only be too keen to ensure that the bragging rights lie within the red half of Manchester.
