It has been suggested that Marcus Rashford should reconsider his continued use as the first-choice forward for the England national team.
Manchester United lost 0-1 to Newcastle United in the 14th round of the 2023-24 Premier League (PL) season at St. James’ Park in Newcastle, England, at 5 a.m. ET on Wednesday. The result leaves United in seventh place in the league with eight points (24), while Newcastle is fifth in the league with eight points (two draws), ahead of Tottenham Hotspur (26).
Despite a poor showing in the European Football Association (UEFA) Champions League (UCL), Manchester United have been in good form in the league. They’ve won five and lost one of their last six games. They’ve moved up in the standings, and against Everton, strikers like Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial, and Rashford scored goals, which was a positive. Meanwhile, their strikers have been struggling to find the back of the net.
There was no flow. Another goalless game against Newcastle. United started with Garnacho, Martial, and Rashford up front. In the middle of the park was Kobi Mainu, who looked good against Everton. It was a promising start, but a disastrous one. In the 10th minute, Bruno’s killer pass from midfield was picked up by Garnacho and he fired a left-footed shot straight at the keeper, but it was the only shot on target for United on the day.
The lackluster offense prompted Mourinho to remove Rashford and Martial and bring on Rasmus Højlund and Anthony in an attempt to bolster the offense, but no goals were forthcoming and the score remained 0-1. The Manchester Evening News said of Rashford: “He was lucky to get a start, but his attacking ability was lacking and his defensive transitions were not quick enough. He did not support Aaron Wan-Bissaka defensively at all. He shouldn’t have started” and gave him a 2 rating.
Jermaine Jenas, who previously played for Tottenham Hotspur, told TNT Sports: “Gareth Southgate should think about using Anthony Gordon, who is better than Rashford. He should seriously consider playing Gordon. He’s very active and influential.”
Gordon, a former Evertonian, struggled early on after joining Newcastle but gradually found his feet. His ability to play on both the left and right wing, as well as up front, made him stand out. He emerged as a key part of Newcastle’s attack, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 13 PL appearances. It was Gordon who scored the winning goal against Man United. Eddie Howe also gave him a thumbs up.
As for the England national team, Southgate has a lot of faith in his players. Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson, and others are prime examples. Rashford is no different. However, given their form this season and with UEFA Euro 2024 on the horizon, he may need to reconsider. Gordon, with his insane form, is definitely a better option than Rashford.