Not to throw too much cold water here but the main increase in his productivity has been just becoming our primary PK taker. If we look at just the league, last year he was at .38 goals per 90 minutes, this year .64. Nice bump right? But if you take out the penalties it's .38 G/90 last year and .39 G/90 this year. Same thing if you look at the xG numbers, once you take out penalties his league rate has gone from .34 xG/90 to .39.
That's a valid observation. I'd say that a goal every 3 games from a wide forward who has as high a defensive output as Rashford does is pretty damn good. That's before you consider he's 22.
Ole finally unlocking Rashford's full potential? https://www.skysports.com/football/...-manchester-united-under-ole-gunnar-solskjaer Ole recognizing what type of player Rashford is (and which position he's best suited for) has undeniably been the real turning point. Since he's abandoned the idea of him as a sole 9, that's when his form really took off
There’s no arguing that Rashfords numbers have been great. Moving him to the wing forward role has improved his game a ton. He’s also stopped running down as many blind alleys as usual. Hopefully he keeps improving. If he can get the mental side down he can be world class. The physical skills are all there.
The standing shot he took from the edge of the box where he looked to sink it into the top corner (albeit with a lot of power for such little backlight) was one of very few times he's tried to be cute, to use finesse and catch the opposition out. He should look to do that a lot more. The less predictable he is and the more control he exerts, the more regular his end product will be. And then he won't need penalties to be seen as a very productive player.
Rashford is really close to making the leap. Standing between him and elite attacker status? His own eyes. He has to improve his ability to pick out teammates. He's too single minded. He's got a little better recently, but picking up his head and seeing things around him better will see him become nigh unplayable. Last year at .38 xG per game, he was ok. This year his non penalty xG is .39 - much higher the last couple months, but that is a fine level for a 22yo who is on his way to being elite. What needs to improve? His assists. If he can get xG+xA excluding penalties to .5 as a hardworking WF there's just not more you can ask for from a WF.
He needs to improve his finishing aswell and i know it sounds odd cosidering his last 12-15 games but to achieve elite ST status he needs to add finesse to his play.
Whatever people feel about his football, cant deny the kid has a good and genuine it seems heart. Marcus Rashford and his mum Melanie were at homeless shelters in Manchester yesterday handing out the more than 1,200 boxes donated during his In The Box Christmas campaign. Top man.— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) December 20, 2019
When @MarcusRashford met Pixie, from our @MU_Foundation RTC, for a special Christmas interview... 🎄Keep your eyes on the football ⚽️👀 pic.twitter.com/BnsLtXAnyP— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 25, 2019
It's only December and @MarcusRashford is already having his best goalscoring season 💪 pic.twitter.com/QOgGHBnDzY— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 26, 2019
✨ @MarcusRashford's sparkling form over the festive period has earned him another accolade ❄️He's been named the PFA's Player of the Month for December! 👏#MUFC #PFAFansAward pic.twitter.com/iUYASvAvpM— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 6, 2020
18 - Marcus Rashford has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season - only Raheem Sterling (20) has more among Premier League players. This is also Rashford's 200th appearance for Man Utd in all comps. Celebration. #MUNNOR pic.twitter.com/e8wUD28uOu— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 11, 2020
Under Mourinho fans constantly argued regarding Rashford and Martial and who should start with there being two distinct groups (Rashford FC vs Martial FC). Under Solskjær both groups are UNITED upon the fact that both should start and take us forward.Beautiful to see. pic.twitter.com/jY9RYYASKA— UtdArena (@UtdArena) January 11, 2020
Not many get me off my seats. He has been doing that with his flair and trying new things under pressure. He is still not where he can be. Sometimes wasteful, with a bit of attitude.
📅Youngest players to reach 40 PL goals for @ManUtd:W. Rooney – 21 years, 175 daysM. RASHFORD – 22 years, 72 daysC. Ronaldo – 22 years, 279 daysR. Giggs – 24 years, 16 daysA. Martial – 24 years, 21 days pic.twitter.com/QaCpZeB7Xp— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) January 11, 2020 With 19 goals (plus 5 assists) in all comps so far, it's not unreasonable at this juncture to hope he can reach 30 goals total for the season.