Is Marcus Rashford’s injury a blessing in disguise?
Unfortunately, Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Everton was overshadowed by Marcus Rashford’s injury. The forward appeared to have suffered a groin injury, raising concerns about how long he would be out, particularly with United still fighting on three fronts for the remainder of the season. Despite Rashford’s absence being a blow to the Red Devils, Parker believes that they will be able to cope. Parker also suggests that Rashford’s presence may have been a hindrance to the other United attackers, similar to Ronaldo’s presence last season.
“Everyone will panic because Marcus Rashford is the only player who contributes with goals. But I don’t think his injury is a massive concern. When a player is missing it opens up the opportunity for other players to step up.”
“A great team is spreading their goals between a lot of players, they are not doing like Manchester City who relies too much on Erling Haaland. Manchester United has been in the same situation with Marcus Rashford and even though he has performed marvellously, we in fact don’t know if he has been a hindrance for other players like Ronaldo was.”
“I’m not saying that he is a hindrance but we don’t know yet. Rashford is always trying to get a goal and he shoots every time he gets the ball. Maybe it’s because he knows that his attacking teammates are lacking quality.”
Casemiro, Fernandes and Eriksen need to step up in Rashford’s absence
Manchester United has confirmed today that Rashford will be out for a few games, and Erik ten Hag has stated that he is uncertain when the forward will return. Rashford’s 28 goals this season have been instrumental in United’s turnaround from a disappointing previous season. As United prepares for tomorrow’s Europa League match against Sevilla, the focus is now on how they will generate attacking impetus without their talisman.
Paul Parker doesn’t have much faith in the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony to step up, but he expects players such as Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes to take on the responsibility.
“But I expect Man United to spread the goals more out without him. I don’t expect anything from Antony or Sancho but maybe Eriksen, Casemiro or Fernandes can perform even better without him.”
“We know that Casemiro can score goals and we know that Eriksen can create a lot of chances. We also know that Bruno Fernandes can do something if things are going Man United’s way, so we might see a lot of people raise their bar without Rashford.”
“Man United wants to be one of the best sides in Europe again but to be that they need more than one goalscorer. Man United have had players like Van Nistelrooy, Van Persie, Dwight Yorke and plenty of other good centre forwards, which is only a good thing but not if they only rely on them. In the past, defenders and midfielders also contributed with goals and assists, which is necessary if you want to be a top side.”
