Michael Owen questions Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United role after Fulham draw

Michael Owen believes Marcus Rashford is currently the most vulnerable member of Manchester United’s attack after another frustrating performance in the 1-1 draw against Fulham.

Rashford has started four of United’s opening five Premier League matches since returning from loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona, but he is yet to register a goal or assist in more than 400 minutes across all competitions.

His afternoon at Craven Cottage also ended early because of a hip problem, which has subsequently forced him to withdraw from England duty.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen argued that Rashford has been the quietest member of Michael Carrick’s attacking unit.

“He’s done okay, but only okay,” Owen said. “He needs to probably do a little bit better in that front three because his is the position in the attack that would be vulnerable.”

Owen believes Benjamin Sesko’s eventual return could create further pressure on Rashford’s position. If Sesko starts centrally, Matheus Cunha could move to the left, potentially leaving Rashford outside Carrick’s preferred front three.

“Rashford would be the weak link in that attack as things stand,” Owen added.

The former United striker also criticised what he interpreted as Rashford’s subdued body language against Fulham. However, his comments about Rashford’s mentality remain Owen’s personal assessment rather than an established explanation for the forward’s form.

Rashford returned to Old Trafford after producing 14 goals and 25 goal contributions during his spell with Barcelona.

That form has not yet transferred into his second chance at United.

Owen nevertheless believes Rashford possesses all the physical and technical attributes required to rediscover his best performances, describing him as an outstanding athlete with pace, touch and skill.

The immediate concern is his fitness. Rashford was withdrawn against Fulham with a hip issue and will miss England’s upcoming Nations League matches.

United, meanwhile, have now gone three Premier League games without a victory following the draw at Craven Cottage, increasing the importance of finding greater attacking consistency when club football resumes.

Rashford’s immediate priority will be recovering from the hip problem that forced him off against Fulham, with no confirmed return date currently available.

Once fit, he faces increased competition for attacking minutes as Carrick considers how best to accommodate Rashford, Cunha and Sesko in his Manchester United frontline.