Despite rumors of Marcus Rashford being part of a potential summer overhaul, questions remain on whether his lackluster performance this season warrants a sale.
With only 8 goals compared to the 30 he scored last season, it’s clear that he has been underperforming.
However, United manager Erik ten Hag still believes in Rashford’s potential, stating that he is capable of being a prolific goal scorer.
With a price tag of £70 million and support from the manager, it appears that United is reluctant to let go of the 26-year-old forward. Whether he stays or goes, only time will tell.
What do the numbers suggest about United’s homegrown star’s form, and should they sell him?
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While Marcus Rashford has played almost 3,000 minutes this season.
His performance has been subpar, scoring only eight goals—a significant decline from his 30-goal haul last season.
In fact, four teammates have scored more, including Scott McTominay who has played 500 fewer minutes.
The England winger has also dropped in the Sky Sports Power Rankings, trailing behind Fernandes, Onana, Garnacho, Dalot, and McTominay.
Last season, Rashford was one of United’s most important players.
With 0.84 shots on target per 90 minutes, a career low, and 0.28 goals and 0.08 assists per 90 minutes, Rashford’s current league returns are at their lowest points in seven years.
The interactive table below allows you to view how his numbers have changed over time for a variety of attacking criteria by using the dropdown menu.
Rashford’s slumps, though, might be a reflection of the team’s overall poor play.
Rashford’s Stats This Season
With just 52 goals in the league, Ten Hag’s team is currently tied for the fewest goals scored by top-half teams.
On the opposing side of the ball, only Sheffield United and Luton have faced more shots in the Premier League than United.
In a career-high accomplishment, the forward scored almost thirty percent of United’s league goals in the previous campaign.
This term, that percentage has decreased to 13.5%, which is his career average (not including the previous season).
Sky Sports claims Rashford’s present returns could therefore be seen comparable to the team’s general performances and inability to create and convert chances.
The shot maps below show that he hasn’t had many opportunities this season from within the six-yard box.
With seven goals from 7.28 xG, the winger has equaled his projected goals, which is another indication that he is playing “as expected.”
But he’s hit fewer shots on target, which is why his xG per shot has dropped to a three-year low.
Rashford is placed third for open-play xG involvement which accounts for the probability that any open-play move would result in a shot.
With the exception of his season-ending injuries in 2021–2022, Rashford has typically finished behind Fernandes in the standings.
This season might ultimately mark the start of second-place Garnacho’s ascent to prominence as a first-team player and wide option rather than Rashford’s decline
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