Expert shares ‘perfect’ Marcus Rashford claim after early Man United team news
Noel Whelan has insisted Marcus Rashford has the “perfect opportunity” to cement his Man United spot after Anthony Martial’s injury.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 24-year-old needs to show “hunger” again after a dismal 2021-22 campaign.
As per the Manchester Evening News (5 August), Martial has been ruled out of the season opener against Brighton on Sunday (7 August) following an injury sustained against Atletico Madrid last week.
The France international had been filling the void of wantaway striker Cristiano Ronaldo – who is also in contention to play after tentatively returning to training at the end of pre-season.
Rashford has less than 12 months to run on his contract – with Man United holding the option of extending his Old Trafford stay by another year.
Whelan backed the 24-year-old to nail down the striker berth amid continuing uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s future.
“It’s strange how these opportunities can come about, but Rashford has got to grasp this one,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s got a perfect chance now, at Old Trafford, to go out there and claim that spot and make it his.
“It’s about Rashford showing that hunger again. We want to see that blistering pace, those clever runs, and that clinical finishing.
“Ten Hag will demand that from him. If he produces, he keeps that spot – it’s as simple as that.”
Man United will play Europa League football this term after finishing sixth in 2021-22.
Rashford managed just four league goals in 25 outings last term – but notched 17 top-flight strikes as recently as the 2019-20 campaign.
In other news, pundit lambasts Ronaldo after “big” new Man United twist.