The first chant of the match was for Marcus Rashford, Manchester United’s returning rogue son, the one banished for 18 months, first to the Midlands and then Catalonia. Every football fan loves an academy product who has risen up the ranks, from scrawny child to getting 76,000 off their seats. Rashford is one of these, living out the dream of everyone inside Old Trafford and they are willing to forgive but want something in return.
Not since 7 December 2024 has Rashford been seen in red at Old Trafford. Then it was as a substitute forlornly trying to turn things around in an eventual 3-2 defeat by Nottingham Forest. His relationship with Ruben Amorim was already deteriorating, the second head coach to have become irritated with Rashford.
After loans with Aston Villa and Barcelona, everyone is surprised to see him back; it feels like a marriage of convenience because of a lack of offers and securing a replacement was deemed complex. At Hull, Rashford came on at the break for Patrick Dorgu after a dispiriting 45 minutes but floundered down blind alleys as he tried to spark a listless team into action. The truth is, Michael Carrick needs someone of Rashford’s experience and quality to be at the forefront of this latest attempt of building a successful era.
He cannot have any off-field misdemeanours or sulking on the pitch when things are tough. Carrick is more willing to put an arm around the shoulder, understanding of the pressures that come with playing for United. That is increased when the situation is dire, being behind at home against a promoted club a week after being beaten by another.
It is a test of character, one United have failed too often in recent times. Rashford’s ability has never been doubted: this is someone who did not look out of place at Barcelona and spent the summer playing for his country at the World Cup. In the buildup to the tournament, he went away and worked privately, inviting former teammates to help him to train in Miami, showing a dedication to his craft.
At 28, he should be a leader and Carrick is giving him the opportunity to be one. United have the teenagers Shea Lacey and JJ Gabriel waiting for opportunities, and Rashford is someone they can learn from, having witnessed more than most. He started brightly against Ipswich on the left wing, with United eager to target Dara O’Shea on that side.
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