The Resurgence of Marcus Rashford
If I had told you that a team’s initiative would be to play in a relatively low block and attack on the transition, you’d automatically assume this would be the perfect setup for Marcus Rashford to thrive. After all, he’s long been considered one of the most dangerous players in world football when given space to run into. However, Rúben Amorim didn’t see it that way. He moved on from Rashford, citing a perceived lack of work ethic and drive, qualities non-negotiable in his system.
Fast forward, and Rashford finds himself under a manager arguably even more demanding: Unai Emery. Emery, described by his own players as intense and detail-obsessed, is known for extracting every ounce of work rate from his squads. For all his tactical brilliance and relative success, Emery has often been undervalued in the Premier League. But what he represents more than anything else is resurgence.
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No better example of this exists than his run to the Champions League semifinals with Villarreal, a squad largely composed of castoffs and underappreciated talents. Emery saw something in Rashford. But instead of building an obvious platform to showcase the winger’s pace and flair, he created a system that subtly highlights Rashford’s best qualities through structure and responsibility. It’s not just that Rashford is playing well; he’s working hard.
The player many had labeled lazy is now showing commitment and grit on both ends of the pitch. Oftentimes, to unlock a player’s potential, especially one that seems to have lost their way, you need to connect with the person before the footballer. Managers like Emery and Carlo Ancelotti are masters of this approach.
From the start, Emery’s pursuit of Rashford signaled belief and trust. He didn’t just want the player, he valued him. In doing so, he became the perfect conduit for Rashford to rediscover his joy for the game. After leaving an environment where his confidence had clearly been drained, Rashford now finds himself playing for someone who not only understands his strengths but also challenges him to do more.
Meanwhile, at Manchester United, frustration grows weekly over an attack that lacks creativity and cohesion. The groans grow louder every time a counterattack breaks down after a poor decision from Alejandro Garnacho or Rasmus Højlund. It’s hard not to wonder: what if Rashford had stayed? It’s a dangerous road to go down, of course. For the sake of both parties, a separation was necessary. But if only for this brief moment, it’s clear that the divorce has been better for Rashford.
He’s no longer a player burdened by the expectations of carrying a broken institution. He’s a man reborn, recommitted, reinvigorated, and finally playing in a way that makes you remember just how good he really is.
By: Jahvon Barrett / @JahvonBarrett
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Alex Livesey / Getty Images