Michael Carrick has backed Marcus Rashford to rediscover his scoring touch, insisting his faith in the Manchester United forward is undimmed despite a start to the season that has yet to produce a goal or an assist. Marcus Rashford, who returned to Old Trafford this season after loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona, has been named in every United matchday squad so far and made his sixth start of the campaign in Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid.
Carrick’s faith in Marcus Rashford unshaken
According to BBC Sport, Marcus Rashford’s performances are being hampered by ongoing treatment for an injury initially sustained during the World Cup – a problem that also forced him to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the recent Nations League fixtures. The Daily Mail reports the problem affecting Marcus Rashford is with his hip and requires regular treatment. Sources who spoke to BBC Sport dispute the suggestion that Marcus Rashford’s presence has altered the dynamic within Carrick’s squad this season.
Asked directly about Marcus Rashford’s form, Carrick was unequivocal. “Marcus has done a lot of good things,” Carrick told BBC Sport. “He obviously had a slight injury when he pulled out of England. We had to manage that a little bit. He’s not quite getting that little bit of a break. But he is putting himself in good positions and having some opportunities. If he keeps doing the right things, he will get the rewards in the end.”
Leeds test offers chance to answer questions
Marcus Rashford has scored 138 goals in 434 appearances for United, and his manager’s public backing comes at a timely moment, with United travelling to Elland Road to face Leeds United at 2pm on Sunday. As Marcus Rashford prepares for the trip, Carrick has already spoken this week about how much the rivalry means, telling club media that certain games are different – and a first goal of the season for Marcus Rashford in that fixture would answer a lot of questions at once.
For now, United will lean on Marcus Rashford’s work rate and Carrick’s patience, with the forward expected to start again if his injury treatment goes to plan.
