Dwight Yorke has shared his thoughts on Marcus Rashford and how he has previously ‘observed’ the Manchester United forward.
This time last season, the 26-year-old had returned from the Qatar World Cup where England fans were annoyed that Gareth Southgate didn’t use or start him enough.
Other than Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, it was Manchester United’s academy product who was sticking his chest out and proving to be one of the best goalscorers in Europe.
But fast forward to the present and Marcus Rashford has returned to his old ways and he has struggled for most parts of this current campaign – He has five goals from 22 Premier League matches.
Despite that, Dwight Yorke was insistent that the Englishman is Manchester United’s ‘most prized asset’, as he told Premier League Productions (04/02/24 at 1:40 pm).
The problem isn’t the talent or not being able to prove himself, he has done that. It’s a case of being consistent with it and matching the elite players by never dropping off.
Regardless of what happens with Marcus Rashford on or off the field, Dwight Yorke says if he was Erik ten Hag, then he is keeping him on his side at all costs.
Marcus Rashford’s worth to Manchester United
“I don’t condone his behaviour,” said Yorke. “We have all been there as players. I have made my fair share of mistakes in the past and you learn from it.
“He is the most prized asset at Manchester United football club, in my opinion. When I was doing my coaching, I looked at him and I observed him for two weeks at Manchester United. This guy is very collective.
“I know people probably have different opinions about it. But what I have seen of him close up, to the way he approaches training and what he does. I think last season is where his mind should be. This season, when we expect him again to kick on, then it’s a little bit more challenging.
“But we don’t know the ins and outs of the goings-on behind-the-scenes. If I was the manager, this is the one person I would want by my side, week in and week out because he is that good. He is capable, as we have seen last season, of what he can do.”
Marcus Rahsford and Manchester United showing some life
It also needs to be noted that Manchester United struggled under Erik ten Hag during the first half of last season, before ending the campaign in a strong fashion.
With players like Rasmus Hojlund now playing his best football, added with the recent win over West Ham United, things are looking up for the team.
A huge game awaits Man United on Sunday because it’s a trip to Villa Park to face fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Eight points currently separate both teams and if Man United want any chance of Champions League football, then they need to win that match.