In Focus: Rash eager to make Marc amid United drought

It has been a tricky start to the season for Marcus Rashford.

After scoring 30 goals in all competitions in 2023-24, there were high hopes for the Manchester United forward.

But the club's recent malaise appears to have affected their No10, who has netted just once in eight Premier League appearances — despite impressing in an England shirt against Italy on Tuesday night.

Ahead of this evening's clash with Sheffield United, we take a look at how Rashford can recapture his best form for the Red Devils.

Out of sorts

There is a noticeable difference between Rashford's Premier League numbers last season and this term.

He is averaging more shots per 90 minutes in 2023-24 (4.15 vs 3.37) but is hitting the target less often with a shooting accuracy of 22.58%, compared to 46.3% last term.

Rashford's apparent lack of confidence in the final third was summed up in United's Champions League defeat to Galatasaray earlier this month, when he raced through on goal but chose to square to Bruno Fernandes.

His pass was wayward, allowing Galatasaray to clear and bringing a chorus of groans from the Old Trafford crowd.

The good news for Rashford and United is that the 25-year-old is still getting into good areas — he has a top-flight xG of 3.58 — so the goals should flow when his confidence returns.

Persistence pays off

United boss Erik ten Hag has given Rashford his full backing despite a frustrating few weeks.

Speaking earlier this month, he said: "Everyone knows the qualities of Rashford.

"If the team is doing the right things, putting him in the right places, it will pass.

"Everyone at Manchester United backs him. The team supports and believes in him. I'm sure with the confidence of the team behind him this will change, it will pass.

"Strikers when they don't score, they need one goal and they step over it. It will come — he is so experienced. 

"He knows when he and the team are doing the right things, the momentum will come and he'll be on fire."

International boost

The recent international break may have been the perfect tonic for Rashford after he ended his nine-game goalless streak in England's 3-1 victory over Italy.

It was a fine finish from the forward, who netted the Three Lions' second to help secure Euro 2024 qualification — capping off an impressive all-round performance.

And today's trip to Sheffield looks to be a kind fixture, as United's talisman bids to kickstart his domestic season.

The Blades have conceded 22 times in eight matches, so Rashford will expect to get plenty of chances at Bramall Lane.

With his last league goal coming in United's 3-1 loss at Arsenal in early September, scoring again as soon as possible will be crucial.

Then the floodgates could open for the Red Devils star.