Would a move from Man Utd to Arsenal be good for Rashford?
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 27 Mar 2022 12:13 BST
- 4 min read
Marcus Rashford is reportedly wanted by Arsenal and the Gunners are said to be preparing a bid for the English forward.
Rashford, 24, has been at Manchester United for his whole career, but could leave the club this summer.
His current contract at Old Trafford expires in 2023, although there is an option for a further year included, meaning if Man Utd want to sell, they'll need to realistically do it this summer.
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While Rashford has previously been first choice at Man Utd, the summer arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, plus the emergence of academy graduate Anthony Elanga, has meant he's found game time hard to come by.
His late return to the squad due to a shoulder injury suffered at the end of last season didn't help, but Rashford has only racked up the 16th most Premier League minutes in the entire Man Utd squad so far this campaign. Even back-up left-back Alex Telles has managed more than the Englishman.
Despite scoring 15 and assisting 15 in all competitions last season, Rashford has lost form and has managed just five goals and two assists so far in 2021/22.
Furthermore, he's lost his place in the England squad, and if things continue he could well miss the World Cup. The likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have taken leaps forward this season, and that has had a knock-on effect on Rashford's place in Gareth Southgate's plans.
With game time limited at both club and country level, a move away may be what Rashford needs to kickstart his career. In addition to this, he had a bust-up with Man Utd fans following their Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid which has fuelled talks of a departure.
The Mirror have reported that Rashford's situation at Man Utd has placed Arsenal on high alert with the Gunners keen on adding the 24-year-old to their forward roster. But, would a move be a good idea?
Would he even fit in?
The main question mark remains over whether Rashford would fit in at Arsenal. His playing style may suit the high-energy, dynamic football Mikel Arteta's side are currently playing, but in regards to the teamsheet it may not be that easy.
Rashford's best position seems to be playing off the left wing. A spell through the middle was fruitful, but his best performances and output has come from the flank.
However, that's where Gabriel Martinelli is deployed and is thriving. The Brazilian has only netted five goals this season, but his style of play has caught the eye and he is clearly a favourite of Arteta's.
Rashford is at his best when he's running with the ball at defences. His goal away to Brighton & Hove Albion last season was perhaps the best example of this when he sat down Ben White a number of times before slotting home with ease.
However, he doesn't appear to be a central striker. If he wants to play off the left then Arsenal may not be the best destination. Now, Martinelli may be moved to the middle, in which case freeing up space, and rotation will be important next year as Arsenal will likely have Champions League football, but Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe have both impressed off the bench recently, yet haven't been rewarded with a start. So there's no guarantees Rashford is an immediate starter.
Aubameyang replacement?
The only other option is if Arsenal see Rashford as their Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replacement. The Gabon international is thriving at Barcelona, but it wasn't working out at the Emirates.
Aubameyang still scored goals for Arsenal, but his style of play didn't get the best out of their other talent. If Rashford is signed, a similar issue could occur.
Arsenal have had so much joy recently playing a link-up striker, in this case Alexandre Lacazette, through the middle, with Bukayo Saka and Martinelli able to run beyond. They're looking for a new central striker this summer, so someone in the mould of Lacazette would be a far more sensible pick-up than a player like Rashford who's out-of-form and would be playing out-of-position.
