Alan Shearer says the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Manchester United squad has allowed Marcus Rashford to produce his best form.
The striker is already in double figures for the season after scoring just five goals across the entirety of the previous campaign. The attacker also ended up as England’s joint-top scorer at the World Cup, sharing the feat alongside Bukayo Saka with three goals.
Rashford is enjoying his football under new boss Erik ten Hag. “The playing style we have created, better quality chances, and we are playing forward-thinking football,” Rashford said in November.
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“He [Ten Hag] likes possession, but he is also in favour of us going for the kill - and that’s what I am all about. I am enjoying my time under him, and hopefully we can carry it on.”
Ten Hag has been credited with reviving Rashford's career after last season’s woes. Some argued that Ronaldo had been stifling the progression of the younger talents within the Reds set-up last year, including Rashford.
The 25-year-old looked bereft of confidence but now looks back to his best, and Shearer believes the November exit of Ronaldo - who was unveiled at new club Al-Nassr on Tuesday - has helped the forward to flourish since the season resumed.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, he said: “Marcus Rashford adds so much to this Manchester United team - he has the quality and the confidence. He’s a better player without Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad.”
Rashford was dropped from the starting XI against Wolves on Saturday after missing a team meeting due to oversleeping, for which he apologised. He came off the bench to net the winner in the 1-0 triumph to take his season tally up to 11 goals.
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