Marcus Rashford lacking 'rhythm and confidence' says Ralf Rangnick after Leicester stalemate
Marcus Rashford and Ralf Rangnick
Despite both Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo being absent for Manchester United on Saturday, Red Devils boss Ralf Rangnick opted to name Marcus Rashford on the bench.
It summarised the 24-year-old's lack of form this season, with Rangnick preferring to shift Bruno Fernandes out of his natural position than put his faith in the Manchester United forward.
Rashford eventually did feature for the Red Devils in the second half, but failed again to have an impact on the match, although he can consider himself unlucky that teammate Anthony Elanga took the ball from him in the final moments of the game as he was lining up a shot.
United ended up drawing 1-1 with the Foxes, with Fred levelling the game at Old Trafford after Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring.
⏹ United have to settle for a point.#MUFC | #MUNLEI
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 2, 2022
Now out of the England squad and struggling to get game time at Manchester United, Marcus Rashford's once promising future is beginning to look bleaker by the week.
However, while many are suggesting Rashford should look for the exit at Old Trafford this summer, Ralf Rangnick has backed the forward to return to form, once he "takes the steps" to rediscover his confidence.
"Marcus, it's no secret that he is not having his best time right now," Rangnick said. "It has to do with rhythm and confidence, it's our job to help him to get this confidence back.
"The only thing we can do is speak to him regularly and tell him what we expect from him and what he should do. The rest has to be done by himself.
"It is possible to develop within a couple of weeks a level of confidence where you can be a different player again.
"We all know that Marcus can play better, but in the end he has to take the steps himself."
With Gareth Southgate looking to finalise his England squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup this winter, Rashford will be desperate to return to form in time for a call up.
However, with the Three Lions boasting a number of in-form forwards already, his work will be cut out for him.
Putting in the work ??⚽️ pic.twitter.com/VPzUmTiLYQ
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) March 22, 2022
A strong end to this season is hugely needed for his confidence, and if he hits the ground running in the 2022/23 campaign, it's possible that he could be on the plane to Qatar in November.
But with just five goals and two assists to his name in 27 appearances this season, it's currently impossible to justify Rashford a spot in the England setup.
