Wayne Rooney has stated that he would prefer to see Marcus Rashford continue his good form in Spain at Manchester United next season.
After a slow start to life at the Nou Camp, Marcus Rashford seems to have found his stride at Barcelona, racking up 12 goal contributions in all competitions for the Spanish giants, who currently sit second in La Liga.
The Academy graduate seems to have adapted well to life abroad, becoming a fan favourite at the club, performing especially well in the Champions League. Despite losing his first-ever El Clásico, Rashford managed an assist playing from the left wing.
It was clear Ruben Amorim did not have Rashford in his long-term plans at Old Trafford, sending him on loan in July, a move that has so far worked out for both parties.
Rashford’s departure has allowed for summer signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to flourish, with both players having a solid start to the season. Seeing as Rashford was never part of Amorim’s plans, I’m sure the Portuguese coach will be happy the way the deal has worked out.
Rooney praises Rashford’s form and would ‘prefer’ to see him at United
Following Rashford’s recent goalscoring spree in La Liga and the Champions League, Wayne Rooney has heaped praise on the 27-year-old, labelling Rashford a “top player”.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, United’s all-time top scorer said: “I’d much prefer to see him do that for Man United, if I’m honest.
“I don’t think it was the easiest start, the first couple of games, and there were people talking about him, but he’s got his head down and he’s doing well.”
It has been two years since the 2022/23 campaign, during which Rashford managed 30 goals in a season. During this time, he was seen as one of the most exciting attackers in Europe, but he has not recreated this form since.
However, Rooney still believes: “Marcus Rashford at his best is a top, top player and that’s what we all want to see and just hope he stays settled and he keeps performing, keeps working and if he does that then I don’t think there’s any doubt about his ability.”
How Cunha was the ideal replacement for Amorim
Matheus Cunha has had a mixed start to life at Old Trafford, which was not helped by a hamstring injury which kept the Brazilian on the sidelines for the better part of three weeks. However, since returning from injury, he has been at the heart of United’s good performances.
Cunha opened his account in the 4-2 victory against Brighton with a well-taken goal, which will fill him with confidence. United fans appreciate his raw style of play and hunger that Rashford may have been lacking before his loan move, after spending his whole career with the Red Devils.
Wayne Rooney is also hopeful that the former Wolves man can carry on from where he left off last season, with the current squad “delighted” with him after the Brazilian replaced Rashford in the summer.
Read More: Wayne Rooney “delighted” for “beautiful Manchester United player” after Brighton victory
“You could see how much everyone was delighted for him, you know, the manager as well, because that can play on your mind,” Rooney continued. “We’ve seen it with [Florian] Wirtz at Liverpool as well, and the more it goes on, the harder it is to go and do it, and you lose that confidence again.
“To get that goal is massive for him, because I think some of his performances have been really good; he’s obviously missed a few games through injuries, but you can see the delight. I’ve had it. We’ve had players who need a goal, and you know they need a goal because they’re going through a difficult time.
“You just hope that that spurs him on as well. What we saw at Wolves last year, I think he can kick on from that. I think he can certainly get better and go and grab the game by the scruff of the neck, because that’s what he can do. He can play in different positions, and he’s unpredictable at times.”
Cunha certainly suits Amorim’s style, playing in the No. 10 role alongside Bryan Mbeumo, a partnership that seems to be building chemistry and could potentially be the route to success for United this season.
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