Gary Lineker believes that Marcus Rashford has evolved into a convincing No.9 under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United this season.
Rashford, 25, headed into the 2022/23 campaign with an unclear future after struggling for form under former boss Ralf Rangnick, but the England star has flourished since being handed a starring role by Ten Hag.
The Manchester United academy graduate is the club's top scorer after plundering 30 goals in all competitions and has become one of the most influential players in a team that has been reinvigorated under Ten Hag, who has ensured that Champions League football will once again grace Old Trafford next season.
With a dearth of central strikers at his disposal, Ten Hag has been forced to deploy Rashford at times this term with impressive results. And while Rashford is still at his most deadly in his favoured left-hand attacking role, Lineker believes that the United star now looks the part down the middle after previously playing like a "fish out of water".
During an interview with BBC Sport before this weekend's FA Cup final, Lineker asked Rashford how Ten Hag has specifically helped him this term. When Rashford responded that he's "playing better" as a central striker now, Lineker chipped in: "I've kind of noticed that myself, because I always thought you were better on the left cutting in, or [on] either side really. As a striker, I always felt you were just a little bit like a fish out of water, but I've seen a distinct difference this season."
Rashford responded: "I always used to feel like on the left I've got goals in me or I can create an opportunity on the left. But then sometimes when I'm in the middle I feel like I'm trying too hard to get on the ball. When you're a striker, patience is probably the biggest skill.
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He continued: "I've always had the hunger to score, [but] this is what I needed to get right about playing as a No.9, because this is what used to frustrate me the most.
"I don't missing chances; I'd rather miss a chance than not get a chance. Sometimes when I was a No.9, I'd just be too impatient. I'd try and get on the ball because I've not seen much of it and then the ball would go wide and I'd know where I need to be in the box, but I'm one second late and it would frustrate me."
Rashford is likely to lead the line for Manchester United in Saturday's FA Cup final. After winning the Carabao Cup, Ten Hag could mark his first season in charge by bagging a domestic double if his side can overcome Manchester City at Wembley.
And Rashford was full of praise for his new boss. He told Lineker of Ten Hag: "I think he's come in with a clear identity and a clear plan of how he wanted to play. After training with him, you learn quickly because he's very clear on what he wants you to do."
