Heading into 2023, the first player to score more than 10 goals in an official competition in the five major leagues, and the first goal scorer in the five major leagues after the World Cup, the 25-year-old Rashford is just one step away from his single-season goal record in his Manchester United career.
Tenhag's tactical system adds mobility and gives speedy players room to play. Marcus Rashford, who is in the water, is looking forward to leading Manchester United back to the top.
01. 1 year ago at the lowest point: who would have thought that he could be reborn
a. 1 year ago, at the lowest ebb: Dong Fangzhuo was desperate for him
If you go back two years, in the winter window of the 2020-21 season, Marcus Rashford's shooting efficiency was even better than Liverpool's Salah.
With almost the same number of goals expected (5.8 to 5.9), Marcus Rashford actually scored 12-10 ahead of the Egyptian star.
It wasn't even Rashford's best year, with he scoring 0.5 goals per 90 minutes at the age of 21. However, this statistic, in the winter of 1 year ago, had slipped to an unacceptable 0.07 goals per 90 minutes (the blue part is assists).
Especially in the FA Cup against Aston Villa, when Donny van de Beek's shot on the counter-attack was saved by Argentina international Martinez, Marcus Rashford in the middle did not make any move to make up because of his distraction.
Former Manchester United player Dong Fangzhuo, who was commenting on the game at the time, also made relatively desperate comments about Rashford.
When Ten Hach first took over the new season at the start of the new season, Rashford's problems still did not improve.
This time Cristiano Ronaldo countered with a cross and Marcus Rashford, who was close at hand, missed the opportunity to close the gap (then 0-2 Brighton) and was once again questioned.
b. The goal with Liverpool was a turning point: Marcus Rashford was instantly resurrected
Many people once felt that he had 1 year left on his contract and was on the verge of leaving the team.
Fortunately, the double red meeting with Liverpool is not only the starting point for Manchester United's strong rebound this season, but also Rashford to usher in a rebirth.
Because of Henderson's stoppage error, it shook his own central defender Van Dijk, and also gave Manchester United a chance to counterattack. Marcus Rashford drove straight in and scored with a calm shot that helped United seal the victory.
The goal ended the team's opening two-game losing streak and a 997-minute goal drought in all competitions for Marcus Rashford.
When Cristiano Ronaldo's cross and Marcus Rashford, who arrived this time, sent the ball into the bottom of the net, he not only did not waste Big Brother's assist again, but even proved that he could shoulder the burden of leading Manchester United out of the quagmire.
02. Sprint fast & jump high! At 25, he is about to catch up with his best self
a. Move fast in front of the goal: The Tenhach system brings him dividends
Marcus Rashford have scored 21 goals in all competitions this season, just one goal away from his best 2019-2020 season.
It is worth mentioning that these 21 goals only took 96 shots on goal, and the expected goals were only 14.5, and his actual number of goals was nearly 31% more!
Marcus Rashford's pace is his strength, with quite a few of his goals done in front of goal. The key point is that Manchester United's counter-attack is getting faster and faster, giving him room to move freely.
Manchester United's current attack pays great attention to horizontal continuous passing, which can effectively schedule the movement of the opposing defense.
In the process, they will always relax their focus on the no-ball in the middle, then Rashford, who has speed, has a chance.
From Casemiro making the ball, Garnergio splitting the ball on the flank to Luke Shaw sweeping in front of goal, Marcus's goal was easy and important.
b. Who can still prevent it? Jump high enough + there is work under the feet
Although the total number of goals scored this season is only one goal away from his best season, in the Premier League, the current 12 goals are still a certain distance from the 17 goals of three years ago.
However, Rashford's form and quality this season has given countless fans more confidence.
This time, in response to Erikson's cross, Marcus Rashford's header scored a moment that left countless Manchester United fans enchanted. Jump so high! Who said Rashford would only go down three ways.
Of course, the more exciting thing was the deadlock goal against Wolves. Such a strong inside cut, hitting the wall, breaking through the opponent and bursting to score, such Rashford is really unpreventable.
03 Rashford's reasons for success: good coaching tactics & hard enough
a. Make the most of the width and depth of the court: Speed players live
Tactically, Rashford's success stems from Tenhach's emphasis on taking advantage of the width of the pitch.
A large number of lateral shifts not only bring the width of the attack, but also create opportunities for offensive depth after attracting the opponent's attention.
More long passes allow Rashford's speed advantage to be unleashed. This time he passed Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, but his last shot was blocked by a defender.
Westhorst was brought in in the winter window and Ten Hach asked him to pull back more to get the ball and let Marcus Rashford rush forward.
To use a center forward is to create a bridgehead that can hold the ball and bring long passes to the front.
This time Westhorst won the first point of the header, and then went straight to Marcus Rashford, although it was cleared by the goalkeeper, but we can clearly understand United's attacking thinking.
Against Leeds United, the deadlock goal came from Marcus Rashford, but it was also a classic example of bridgehead tactics and lateral shifts that brought depth.
Verhorst returned to Fred, in fact, he could move the space on the left side at the first time, and the Brazilian could not see his teammates, but after the B fee was over, Sabitzer still hit the ball on the left wing.
In the process, Rashford was forgotten by the other side, so when Luke Shaw crossed, Rashford was left unmarked and finally scored with a header to give United the lead.
b. It is completely different from the two people sentenced 1 year ago: fighting spirit
One year ago, Rashford was blamed for his mind wandering during the game. A year later, Marcus Rashford, who scored goals, was once again the darling of Manchester United fans.
The reason for the change is not only the coach's tactics, but also the change in his own spirit.
Look at Marcus Rashford's counter-tackle up front this time, creating a mistake at Leeds United's back. Manchester United, who fought back at the first time, had excellent tension.
The wonderful pass of B fee to the back post, if Garnercho returns to Rashford is also a good opportunity. It was fine for him to choose to shoot himself, but unfortunately he couldn't play well.
Conclusion:
The contract with Manchester United expires in June '24, and when Marcus Rashford will renew his contract has become the most concerned topic for countless Manchester United fans.
As a Academy graduate, with the tactical support that suits him best at Manchester United, I believe Marcus Rashford will not be a problem to stay. What kind of heights can he reach? Catching up with his best self 3 years ago is certainly not his ultimate goal.