Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford admitted his preference for playing on the left despite having had to be used as a central striker on different occasions this season.<\/p>\n
Rashford\u2019s form this season has been a tad hard to grasp for many despite being Manchester United\u2019s top scorer, having found the net against Liverpool and Arsenal and yet coming up trumps against Omonia in Cyprus. He then went missing against Manchester City due to an injury and struggled against Chelsea after unconvincing displays against Newcastle and Tottenham.<\/p>\n
It looks most likely he would be leading the line against Sheriff on Thursday as the Reds\u00a0chase that penultimate top spot in their Europa League group. Anthony Martial is yet to return from injury despite Erik ten Hag\u2019s inference that he was nearing a return last week.<\/p>\n
As for wantaway, pouting striker Cristiano Ronaldo, it is not clear what the manager will do with the Portugal star\u00a0once when he finally decides to toe the line, if he does, that is. Rashford\u2019s frustrating displays have all come while he has operated as a central striker with all five of his goals having come when he has played on the left. The England international admits the flank is his preferred position but Ten Hag\u00a0is currently left with little choice when it comes to positional choices up front.<\/p>\n
The manager acknowledges Rashford\u2019s versatility as a player who can play in both positions with ease, with the player in agreement. Speaking after his double against Omonia earlier this month, he said: “I think I can play both [left and middle].<\/p>\n
\u201cThe left side is probably more natural for me. I enjoy doing both, I’m just helping the team. I think that’s what is important and we have a lot of players in the squad who can play in different positions.\u201d<\/p>\n
His comments show that his thinking is aligned with his manager\u2019s when it comes to his role in the team. Despite a fruitless outing against Chelsea, Ten Hag explained post-match what Rashford offers.<\/p>\n
He said: “I’m really happy with the energy he’s bringing this year in our team. So I’m really happy with his performance every time again. He can play in the front, striker, all of the positions. It doesn’t matter where.”<\/p>\n
Ten Hag has always taken a liking to versatile players and it seems it is no different with Rashford. With Martial’s injuries persisting and Ronaldo\u2019s future unclear, Rashford\u00a0ought to prepare for a prolonged stint as the central striker – maybe until a long-term option is brought in.<\/p>\n
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