After going missing in the 6-3 loss to Manchester City on Sunday, Marcus Rashford hit back with two goals and an assist in Thursday’s 3-2 Europa League win over Omonia Nicosia.
He has operated as a centre-forward several times under Erik ten Hag but has found most success on the left wing. His link-up play with fellow substitute Anthony Martial on Thursday night had fans drawing comparisons with iconic duo Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole.
Only Rashford, who was returning from injury, himself will know whether playing as the striker at the Etihad was the reason for his struggles. When asked about which position he prefers to play in, he gave a very diplomatic answer but indicated where on the field he enjoys his football the most.
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"The left side is probably more natural for me. I enjoy doing both, I'm just helping the team,” he said. “If we have injuries and stuff like that, you never know what's going to happen, you have to be at your best to play in whatever position is needed.”
It looks as though £85million arrival Antony has secured the right wing position for himself meaning Rashford’s comments may come as a warning for Jadon Sancho. Netting superb goals against Liverpool, Leicester and Sheriff, the forward has drifted through his other seven appearances this season.
Sancho is a confidence player and he lacks that right now. Martial and Rashford’s combinations against Omonia, albeit against weaker opposition, make it hard for Erik ten Hag to omit either from the starting XI against Everton if both are fit. Meanwhile, Sancho was hauled off at half-time in Cyprus after another fruitless showing. As a result, his place in the side is at risk.
United can take this as a positive, in that it shows Ten Hag has managed to form a side that is competitive in most positions. Rashford’s five goals and three assists cannot be ignored and Sancho might be benched for a first Premier League game this season.
The 22-year-old cannot afford to be patchy again this season with others waiting in the wings - quite literally - to take his spot, a beautiful dilemma United have not had for a long while.
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