Chris Sutton hears new Rashford rumours after Amorim arrives at Man United
Ruben Amorim is rumoured to be ready to put Marcus Rashford in his Man United XI as a striker for the “absolute stinker” of a strip to Ipswich, Chris Sutton has heard.
The Portuguese began his tenure at Man United over the international break and has since started working on the training pitch with his new squad. The head coach is now in the process of evaluating the players and deciding who will best fit into the new system he plans to implement.
The Red Devils will face Ipswich Town this Sunday (24 November), and former Blackburn and Celtic striker Sutton understands this could be the moment Amorim decides to experiment with Marcus Rashford as a centre-forward.
“He’s not going to have a lot of training sessions, with the games coming thick and fast before Christmas. But who plays wing backs? Is he gonna play the full-backs, [Noussair] Mazaraoui and [Diogo] Dalot or is he gonna play [Alejandro] Garnacho, Amad [Diallo], Marcus Rashford, who are more wingers, will that have that defensive responsibility?
“All eyes will be on Portman Road at the weekend to see what his first XI is. I’ve heard rumours he may even start Rashford as a centre forward, which I don’t think that is out of the question,” Sutton revealed on the Mail Sport podcast It’s All Kicking Off!
“But, I mean, it is going to be fascinating that first XI.”
Ruben Amorim could start Marcus Rashford as Man United striker
Football Insider Opinion
The 27-year-old forward’s best performances have often come when playing as a left-winger, where he can use his pace and direct running to stretch defences. His ability to cut inside from the wing and take on defenders or unleash shots from distance is what has made him a potent threat in the final third.
In a centre-forward role, however, the England international’s natural instincts could work against him. As a winger, Rashford thrives in wide spaces, constantly looking to exploit gaps and running at defenders in one-on-one situations.
In contrast, a centre forward requires a more nuanced approach, often holding up the ball, linking play, and being more involved in build-up sequences.
In the 2023-2024 season, Rashford’s goal-scoring statistics highlight his inconsistency. Despite a decent return, with 13 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions, his finishing has been erratic. He has missed several key opportunities in high-pressure moments, and his decision-making in front of goal has often been questioned.
Those facts have contributed to his future with the club being called into question if he doesn’t hit the ground running under Amorim.
Another challenge is Rashford’s physicality when compared to traditional centre forwards. While he is quick and agile, Rashford does not possess the same hold-up play or aerial ability as other strikers in his position.
In other news, Christopher Nkunku is on United’s list of January transfer targets.
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