When the young, green, Marcus Rashford made his debut for Manchester United in the Europa League last season against FC Midtjylland, nobody would have imagined in their wildest dreams that the Englishman would have such an impact at the Old Trafford at such a young age.
Two goals on his debut, followed by two more on his Premier League debut against Arsenal and a winner in the derby against local rivals Manchester City and the 18-year old youngster had made the entire world take notice. By the end of the season, the young forward had already netted 10 times for his team and had notched up a couple of assists alongside as well. All this just within three months of making his debut. Rashford was one of the few bright spots to emerge out from a dull season under Louis Van Gaal.
However, with the ousting of the Dutchman soon after and the taking over of the mercurial Jose Mourinho cast some dark clouds over his further development at United, given the Portuguese’s reluctance to work with youth in the past. And the signing of the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimović did nothing to alleviate those fears.
Rashford remained an unused substitute for the first two Premier League games of the season, but came on as a late substitute against Hull City in United’s third outing and went on to score the winner for his team in the injury time, making a huge impact, once again. Two more goals followed in subsequent weeks, but since the last week of September, Rashford has gone without a goal in the Premier League. He has notched up two strikes in the EFL Cup and has netted once in the FA Cup, but the goals haven’t come as regularly as expected.
Despite creating a plethora of chances, the Red Devils have struggled to finish them off, with Zlatan the only consistent goalscorer. Anthony Martial has had a stop-start season, Wayne Rooney looks like he is past his prime. Juan Mata has chipped in with goals along with Henrikh Mkhitaryan in recent times.
And with the goalscoring burden fallen heavily on Ibrahimović, it is natural that United have been linked with a horde of forwards. Antoine Griezmann is one of those attackers who has been heavily tipped with a move to Old Trafford in the summer. The Frenchman has become one of the most prized assets at Atletico Madrid having scored 72 goals for the Los Rojiblancos since his move from Real Sociedad in 2014, in 139 appearances.
One of the best attackers in the game currently, Griezmann is being chased by many big clubs but according to reports, United are the most likely destination for the 25-year old. But what would that transfer mean for Rashford? How will it impact his development?
Rashford was largely touted as the man to carry United’s attack forward, post Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimović. However, given his recent slump in front of goal, it seems United would be better off bringing in another quality addition like Griezmann in the summer.
Plus, the 19-year old has looked much more menacing on the left-flank in recent times. He has caused plenty of problems to the opponent full-backs with his pace and direct running and his dribbling abilities. Mourinho has trusted him over the likes of Martial to feature more regularly on the wings. Griezmann will arrive as a natural heir to Ibrahimović and will play through the middle, allowing Rashford to continue his progress playing regularly in the wide areas.
Rashford has age on his side, he’s just 19 and has shown great maturity and hunger that belies his age. But United should also keep in mind that, despite showing glimpses of his natural ability, he is far from ready to lead the line for them week in week out. Griezmann is no doubt a priority for the Red Devils, but as far as Rashford is concerned, signing the Frenchman will in no way hamper the teenager’s development. Instead, playing alongside a world-class operator like Griezmann will only benefit Rashford in immense ways, helping him to take over the mantle in the future.
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