Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has raised concerns about Marcus Rashford’s place in the club’s attack following the Red Devils’ 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.
According to the comments shared by @UTD_Seth001, Hargreaves believes United could be moving away from an attacking combination that was beginning to show promise in an attempt to accommodate Rashford.
The former England international questioned whether Rashford is currently offering enough in terms of goals and assists to justify his place in the starting XI.
Rashford’s Lack of End Product Raises Questions
Hargreaves pointed to the attacking trio of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as an example of the kind of movement and attacking intensity Manchester United should be looking to build around.
He argued that the three players had already shown signs of a productive partnership, with each contributing two goal involvements.
Rashford, by comparison, was described as having zero goals and zero assists in the situation being discussed.
While the former midfielder acknowledged that Rashford has been working harder defensively and contributing to the team’s build-up, he questioned whether those qualities alone are enough for a player expected to make a decisive impact in the final third.
“Manchester United didn’t bring Marcus Rashford into this team to complete five-yard passes and run backwards. They need him to hurt defenders, create chances and produce end product.”
Is Rashford Disrupting United’s Attacking Balance?
One of Hargreaves’ biggest concerns is that Rashford’s inclusion could be affecting the balance of an attack that was already beginning to function effectively.
Sesko offers movement in behind the defence, Cunha can operate between the lines, while Mbeumo is capable of attacking space and creating problems from wide areas.
The argument is that United should allow those qualities to develop naturally rather than constantly adjusting the system to ensure Rashford remains involved.
Hargreaves suggested that the situation could become problematic if the club starts prioritising Rashford’s reputation over the performances of players who are currently producing more.
Carrick Facing a Difficult Selection Decision
With Manchester United looking for consistency in attack, the comments also place pressure on manager Michael Carrick to make difficult selection decisions.
Rashford remains one of the club’s most recognisable attacking players, but reputation alone cannot guarantee a starting position if other forwards are offering greater goal threat and better overall balance.
Hargreaves’ argument is not necessarily that Rashford has no role to play. Instead, it is that United must be willing to select the players who are performing best, even when that means leaving a high-profile name out of the starting XI.
“Reputation can get you into the team. It cannot keep you there forever.”
Manchester United Must Prioritise Performance
The debate surrounding Rashford is likely to continue as Manchester United attempt to improve their attacking output.
For a club competing at the highest level, goals, assists, chance creation and attacking efficiency remain essential. Work rate and defensive contribution are valuable, but they cannot completely replace end product from a forward.
If Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo continue to show strong chemistry and produce goals, Carrick may have to decide whether Rashford should remain a regular starter or be used in a different role.
For now, Hargreaves’ message is clear: Manchester United must pick the players who are performing, not simply the players with the biggest reputations.
What do you think? Should Marcus Rashford remain in Manchester United’s starting XI, or should Carrick build around Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo?
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