Player analysis: Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is one of the most well-known players for Manchester United, and his career has been filled with highs and lows. While he is undoubtedly a talent, especially when it comes to attacking play, his game has been criticised on multiple occasions.
Marcus Rashford is well-known for his speed and ability to score goals, especially when playing on the left side of the field. He is particularly good at making fast runs and taking advantage of open spaces, which makes him a dangerous player when his team is on the attack. However, one of the biggest criticisms of his game is his inconsistency in defense. He often struggles with tracking back and helping his team defend. In modern football, even attacking players need to contribute defensively, and this is something Rashford has had difficulties with throughout his career. His defensive work has been called out for lacking the coordination and understanding needed in top-level football.
TWELVE GPT:
M. Rashford's defensive intelligence metrics suggest that he is generally not much help defensively for his team's attacks, being pretty typical in terms of ball recoveries, interceptions, and counterpressing recoveries. Consequently, he may not add much value in breaking up opposition play or winning the ball back quickly.
When it comes to playing without the ball, Marcus Rashford has often been described as lacking awareness. For example, during matches, he sometimes chases the ball or runs to the wrong areas of the field, which can leave his team vulnerable, especially on the left wing. In matches where teams like FC Porto were able to exploit this weakness, Rashford’s positioning without the ball made it easy for the opponents to create dangerous situations. This problem isn’t new, as it has been noted for years, even during the time of his previous coaches. At 27 years old, it’s uncertain if he will significantly improve in this area.
Despite his defensive shortcomings, Rashford has shown that he can be an outstanding player in the right circumstances. When he is set up properly and given space to run into, he can be a very effective forward. During the 2022-2023 season, Rashford had some of his best numbers when Manchester United’s strategy revolved around playing the ball to him in attacking positions. He can score a lot of goals if the team’s tactics are designed to take advantage of his speed and finishing abilities. His left-side runs are a significant strength, but for Rashford to truly shine, the team needs to build around his strengths.
While Rashford has the potential to score 20-30 goals in a season, his performance this season hasn’t been as strong as expected. His ability to convert chances into goals, especially from distance, has declined. In past seasons, his goal-scoring efficiency was much higher, but this year, he’s been taking fewer shots, and many of those shots are from less dangerous positions. This season, his expected goals (XG) metric is at a low point, meaning that he isn’t creating or finishing as many high-quality chances as he has in the past. The statistics suggest that he is getting fewer opportunities to shoot from close to the goal, which is where he has traditionally been most dangerous.
TWELVE GPT:
Compared to other wingers, M. Rashford offers relatively low box threat, particularly struggling in creating high-quality chances as reflected by his poor expected goals per 90. While he remains average in metrics like box entries, goals, penalty area receptions, and touches in the box per 90, his overall effectiveness is limited.
Compared to other wingers, Marcus Rashford struggles with poaching, especially when looking at his expected goals per ninety. While he performs averagely in other poaching metrics, his overall ability to get into and convert scoring opportunities is below the mark.
Another challenge for Marcus Rashford is that he sometimes struggles with more complex tactical roles. For instance, when Manchester United tries to play a pressing game, where players have to constantly press the opponent and win the ball back, Rashford isn’t always the best at following the required movements. This can lead to gaps in United’s pressing, allowing opponents to break through their defensive lines. His issues aren’t about a lack of effort, as Rashford puts in a lot of energy on the field, but it’s more about understanding where and how to press effectively, which hasn’t been a strength for him.
Twelve GPT:
M. Rashford's pressing is not one of his strengths. While he can make high recoveries and interceptions when needed, his overall defensive intensity is low.
Despite all the criticisms, Rashford is still seen as one of Manchester United’s most important players. His potential to score goals and his natural ability in attack keep him valuable to the team. However, as the team continues to develop, especially under Erik ten Hag, there is always the question of whether the team can fully rely on Rashford in the long term. If United wants to compete with the best teams, like Manchester City or Liverpool, they might need Rashford to improve his defensive contributions and decision-making, or they may need to build a team that allows him to focus entirely on his strengths.
TWELVE GPT:
Based on potential statistical comparisons after a hypothetical transfer, Saka emerges as the more promising winger compared to Rashford in almost all aspects. Saka outpaces Rashford when it comes to box threat, effectiveness, providing for teammates, passing quality, and pressing, highlighting his dynamic influence on the right-wing. While both players are predicted to be similar in finishing and dribbling, Rashford slightly lags behind in involvement and run quality. Given Rashford is already at his peak age of 27, and Saka is still developing at 23, Saka appears to have a brighter future and more room for growth.
Conclusion:
Marcus Rashford is a player with immense talent and potential, but like many players, he has his weaknesses. While he can be a game-changer in attack, his struggles without the ball and inconsistent performances this season raise questions about how Manchester United should use him. If United can create a tactical system that suits his strengths, Rashford can still be a crucial part of their success. However, the team may also need to make difficult decisions about how to balance his role with the overall needs of the squad.
