One Last Chance? Ruben Amorim Challenges Marcus Rashford to Reignite His Form at Manchester United

It only took 81 seconds for Marcus Rashford to score Manchester United's first goal of the Ruben Amorim era, but in the following 67 minutes on the field, he vanished from the game, leaving Manchester United fans wondering: Is this the return of a star, or the continuation of his bad form?


Rashford's current form is nothing short of a mystery for a player once hailed as the future of United. After a remarkable season in 2022-23, where he netted 30 goals and led United's charge, his dip in form has left fans wondering: is the Rashford of old gone for good?

In the wake of Erik ten Hag's departure and Amorim's arrival, the pressure is on the 27-year-old forward to rediscover his spark. But despite scoring his first goal under Amorim in the Portuguese's first game in charge, the question remains: is Rashford genuinely motivated to reach the heights he once achieved? Or has the once-prolific striker lost his way, leaving United's attack in turmoil?

In the wake of Erik ten Hag's departure and the arrival of Ruben Amorim, the pressure is on the 27-year-old forward to rediscover his spark. But despite scoring a goal within 81 seconds of Amorim's reign, the question remains: is Rashford genuinely motivated to reach the heights he once achieved? Or has the once-prolific striker lost his way, leaving United's attack in turmoil?

Ruben Amorim challenges Marcus Rashford to bounce back at Manchester United

A Glimpse of Hope But Quickly Followed by Frustration

Under Amorim's guidance, Rashford seemed to spark hope with a goal in the opening moments against Ipswich Town, scoring within 81 seconds – a promising start to what was supposed to be a new era for the player.

However, that brief moment of brilliance quickly faded as Rashford struggled to make any further impact, and the match ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw. While his early goal was a reminder of his potential, the rest of the performance felt more like a shadow of his former self.

This inconsistency is nothing new. Rashford has been grappling with a dip in form for much of the past 18 months. The question now is whether this is just a rough patch or if the player who once dazzled with his pace, power, and finishing ability has gone missing for good.

Ruben Amorim's Challenge: Rashford Must Want It

Speaking after the draw with Ipswich, Amorim did not mince words when discussing Rashford's form. The new Manchester United head coach acknowledged that the role he handed Rashford – that of a central striker – was far from ideal, especially against a robust Ipswich defense:

"We have to find the right solution for him," Amorim told reporters (via BBC Sport), admitting that Rashford's position in the game wasn't suited to his strengths. But Amorim also stressed that the key to the English attacker's return to form lies with the player himself.

"He has to be Marcus first of all," Amorim emphasized. "Then he will have all the help of the staff, the club, and the fans because he is a Manchester United boy. But he has to be the first to really want it."

The message was clear: Amorim is prepared to offer support, but the onus is on Rashford to rekindle his desire to reach the same heights that saw him score 30 goals in the 2022-23 season under Ten Hag.

The Unseen Problem: Confidence and Tactical Shifts

Despite flashes of brilliance, Rashford's current form seems deeply tied to his confidence levels. Once the poster boy for Manchester United's attacking play, the striker has struggled to replicate his success from the 2022-23 season. His disappointing eight goals across all competitions last term is far from his career-best tally of 30 goals.

What's more concerning, however, is United's current tactical imbalance. Amorim's system demands high pressing, intricate build-up play, and fluid attacking transitions. While these elements can play to Rashford's strengths, the team's lack of a genuine goalscorer means that United's attacks often lack the clinical finishing required to turn possession into points.

The team needs a sharp, consistent attacking threat to break down opposition defenses. Rashford's previous ability to link up play and finish clinically was a key asset in Ten Hag's setup, but that now seems absent.

Goalscoring Woes for Manchester United's head coach

Manchester United's struggle in the final third has been evident for some time now. Only Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored fewer goals than United in the Premier League this season, and Amorim himself has highlighted the lack of goals as a major concern. “We need to improve as a team," the new manager said, alluding to the collective responsibility of turning things around. However, it's clear that a firing Rashford is key to unlocking United's attacking potential.

When Rashford is at his best, he offers pace, directness, and a goal-scoring threat that can stretch defences and create opportunities. His ability to run in behind and finish from various angles makes him a valuable weapon. If Amorim can reignite Rashford's confidence, the England forward could be the catalyst that United needs to regain their attacking fluency.

The lack of a prolific striker has already seen United linked with potential signings in the transfer market, with some speculation around a move for Viktor Gyokeres, a former Sporting player under Amorim.

However, the new manager remains resolute in his belief that the answers lie within the current squad. "We have quality players who can score many goals," Amorim said, underscoring his confidence in his squad's potential. For Rashford, the pressure is now on to deliver.

A Flash of Genius in the 2022-23 Season

While Rashford's struggles have been well-documented, it's important to remember his dazzling form during the 2022-23 season. Under Ten Hag, Rashford was in sensational form, scoring enjoying the best campaign of his career and becoming United's talisman. His directness, sharp finishing, and ability to rise to the occasion made him one of Europe's most dangerous forwards.

What's even more significant is that Rashford's exploits during that period were a crucial factor in United's return to prominence. His goals helped secure Champions League qualification, and his performances gave hope to a team in transition. This was the Rashford that fans and pundits alike were eager to see again.

But since then, his confidence seems to have evaporated, and his performance has not reached the same level. Amorim is ready to help him rediscover that form.

Can Rashford Reclaim His Glory?

The key to Rashford's revival could lie in Amorim's tactical approach. The Portuguese coach is known for his high-pressing style and fluid attacking setups, both of which could play to the versatile forward's strengths. However, Amorim's success in rejuvenating the forward will depend on how quickly he can get the England international back into a rhythm.

Rashford thrives in a system where he can stretch the opposition with his pace and ability to make runs in behind. Amorim must fine-tune United's attacking play to ensure that Rashford is given the service and space he needs to rediscover his form. With a more focused approach in the final third, he could again become the dangerous goalscoring force he once was.

A Defining Period for Rashford

With Amorim's reign just beginning, the next few weeks could be pivotal for Rashford's career at Manchester United. The manager's message is clear: Rashford must take ownership of his revival. While the coach is prepared to provide guidance and support, it's ultimately up to the Red Devils' academy graduate to find the desire to return to his best.

As United fans hold their breath, they will hope that this is the turning point for one of their brightest talents. If Rashford can rediscover his form, it could be the key to unlocking United's attacking potential and propelling them back into the upper echelons of the Premier League.

A Challenge That Must Be Accepted

The question remains: will Rashford rise to the challenge? For United, the answer could define their season. As Amorim puts it, "he has to be Marcus." Only time will tell if Rashford is truly ready to embrace that challenge and return to the form that once made him one of Europe's most feared forwards.