‘Rashford isn’t a No.9’ – Sir Alex tells Man Utd to buy a striker

Robin Bairner

• 27 Feb 2023 14:39 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has told Erik ten Hag that he must by a striker in the summer as it is not Marcus Rashford’s best position.

Rashford has been in red-hot form since the World Cup and was on target once more during Sunday’s Carabao Cup final. He was ultimately credited with the second goal, which for a period went down as a Sven Botman own goal.

The England attacker has won praise from numerous different critics in recent weeks, with team-mate Phil Jones even branding him the best player in the world at present.

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Ferguson, who won 38 trophies with Man Utd before retiring in 2013, believes that Rashford is better served playing out on the left wing, where he is being employed by Ten Hag currently, and that the Red Devils need a goal scorer in the centre to held him.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he explained: “I don’t think he’s a striker. He operates from the left side, where he is fantastic. His finishing is always good, always keeps his shots down, which is really important for a striker – and he’s on a great vein of form.

“Unfortunately for us he is the main source of goals, we could do with an extra one.”

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Man Utd reliant on Rashford for goals

Rashford has contributed 25 goals to the Manchester United cause this season, including 14 in 24 Premier League matches.

His importance to Ten Hag’s side this season, meanwhile, is underlined by the fact that Bruno Fernandes is their next highest scorer in all competition, having netted just seven times in 38 matches.

Summer signing Antony is next with six goals, while Fred, Casemiro and Jadon Sancho are all on five.

Certainly, signing a forward to supplement Rashford will be a major summer priority from Man Utd and Ten Hag given that the player who is currently in that role, Wout Weghorst, is only on loan from Burnley and is unlikely to be considered a long-term option.