Marcus Rashford’s Transition to Central Striker
Marcus Rashford has expressed a desire to transition into a central striker role, believing it to be a natural evolution in his game. Despite having predominantly played on the left wing throughout his time at Manchester United, where his speed and ball control shine, he now sees himself as more comfortable leading the line. Speaking on the Spanish YouTube platform xBuyer, Rashford stated,
“For me, playing as a No 9 is becoming more comfortable, more natural.”
Current Situation at Manchester United
Rashford’s career at Manchester United appears to be in a precarious situation, particularly under the management of Ruben Amorim. Last season, Amorim sent him on loan to Aston Villa after voicing concerns over the player’s attitude. Nevertheless, an in-form Rashford as a central striker presents an intriguing scenario that could potentially prompt Amorim to reconsider his stance.
Initially, it’s important to note that Rashford had a strong start under Amorim’s leadership, notably scoring within two minutes in a match against Ipswich Town in late November 2024, when he was fielded as a forward. His instincts as a centre-forward were evident as he adeptly latched on to a cross from Amad, showcasing his finishing abilities. However, the game ended in a 1-1 stalemate, leading Amorim to express doubt about Rashford’s effectiveness in that role, citing his physical limitations when matched against larger defenders.
Coaches’ Perspectives and Statistical Analysis
This perspective isn’t unique to Amorim; it has been a consistent theme throughout Rashford’s career. Coaches have largely preferred him on the left flank, where he can utilize his quickness and dribbling skills. For instance, Unai Emery, during Rashford’s loan spell at Aston Villa, also indicated a preference for Rashford to play from the left, stating,
“Preferably, his best position is on the left, running from there.”
Statistical analysis supports this notion: Rashford’s goal-scoring ability diminishes when he operates centrally. Historically, he has produced approximately four goals every ten league matches from the left but only around three as a striker. His natural inclination to drift wide is evident in his touch distribution, which shows that he takes significantly fewer touches in the central positions expected of a leading forward. In fact, while centre-forwards typically engage in about 9% of their touches near the goal, Rashford’s number is close to half of that.
Moreover, Rashford’s success in creating scoring opportunities on the right side pales in comparison to his performance on the left. When attacking from the right, his expected goals (xG) per shot drops to 0.08, contrasting markedly with 0.14 when playing on the left. This disparity suggests that his strength lies in creating separation when making runs from wide positions, a skill that diminishes as he shifts across the pitch. Rashford’s shot-blocking rates further emphasize his struggles on the right, where nearly 40% of his attempts are blocked.
Potential for Development
There is potential for development in Rashford’s game; his sporadic peak seasons demonstrate that he can achieve impressive numbers. Erik ten Hag, the former United manager, labeled him among Europe’s elite strikers in early 2023 after a prolific season where he netted 30 goals across competitions, benefiting from increased opportunities as a central figure.
Despite his apparent talent as a striker, Rashford’s playing style does not align with the archetype of a traditional centre-forward, often noted for their poaching instincts and positioning. A striking analysis of his running patterns shows that only 15% of his runs as a centre-forward are aimed at receiving crosses, much lower than the average for his position. Moreover, tactical insufficiencies at United have limited Rashford’s chances to prove his worth up front.
Promising Signs at Aston Villa
Nevertheless, his time at Aston Villa was marked by promising signs of progress. A standout display came when he scored twice in an FA Cup match against Preston North End after being deployed as a striker. Emery swiftly recognized Rashford’s potential in this role, indicating a plan to use him in competition with Ollie Watkins. His performances culminated in an impressive display against Paris Saint-Germain, where his pace and skill created chaos for the opposition. In that match, he turned defenders with his movements and contributed significantly to his team’s attacking play.
Conclusion
As Rashford continues to navigate his career, it seems his recent experience may suggest an evolution towards fulfilling the role of a centre-forward. While his track record with Manchester United may cast doubt on this future, the glimpses of potential seen at Aston Villa warrant a reassessment of his capabilities. Perhaps now is the time for Manchester United to explore the possibility of reshaping Rashford as a formidable striking option.
