Marcus Rashford’s performance v Aston Villa sums up his current Manchester United problems

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The Manchester United attacker was fortunate not to be sent off at Villa Park.

If Erik ten Hag hoped Sunday’s game at Villa Park would prove to the watching Ineos hierarchy that he is indeed the right man to lead Manchester United forward, he will once again have walked away with a sense of frustration.

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What it did prove, if anything, is that this United side lack a coherent attacking plan, that’s there’s no real structure, they’re short of incisiveness and are over reliant on moments of individual quality. In truth, it’s always been that way during his tenure.

There’s also been a dependence on the goals of Marcus Rashford during Ten Hag’s two and a bit years at Old Trafford. It’s something he even admitted during his first season in charge.

That was fine in a campaign when Rashford netted 30 and United finished third, but the problem, of course, is those performances have dropped drastically in the last 18 months. The 26-year-old has scored one goal in seven league matches so far this term and managed just eight across 43 games in all competitions last season. Hardly the sort of numbers a manager’s job should depend on.

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Despite that, there have been some encouraging signs of late. Rashford looked sharp in the opening halves of the Europa League encounters against Twente and Porto, scoring in the latter. There were a few tentative dribbles in the 3-0 capitulation against Tottenham Hotspur and a brace in the recent Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley. It’s not been all bad.

But in many ways Rashford’s current plight was summed up by his display against Aston Villa. It can often feel like the wild west at Old Trafford, and for the boyhood red this was the good, the bad and the ugly.

Firstly, the good. In a flat team display Rashford produced some of the United’s most dangerous moments. Twice he cut inside off the left flank and fired powerful efforts that tested Emiliano Martinez. He also didn’t lose possession once - Alejandro Garnacho on the opposite flank gave the ball away eight times - and only Kobbie Mainoo managed more dribbles than Rashford.

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Yet, despite those flickers of optimism, he failed to have a telling contribution on Sunday’s encounter. As United searched for a goal in the final stages, Rashford was hauled off by Ten Hag. That was unimaginable two years ago. It’s bad.

As for the ugly - on another day United’s no.10 could have been dismissed. He should count himself fortunate not to have received what would’ve been just a third red card of his United career - so should Ten Hag, a manager desperately trying to prove these players are still fighting for him. Ending three games in a row with 10 men doesn’t quite fit the bill.

Admittedly, Rashford’s first booking at Villa Park came after he tracked back to cut out a promising attack in United’s half - albeit his decision to trip Matty Cash was rather blatant. But a second foul a few minutes later was brainless, as he dangled a half-hearted leg in the direction of Leon Bailey. Down went the Villa winger; United fans watched with bated breath.

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Luckily, Rashford escaped without further punishment, although he forced Ten Hag into rushed decision as he withdrew the player once seen as his most reliable asset. United’s no.10 trudged forlornly off the bench and barely acknowledged his manager, who offered a word of encouragement as he exited the stage. There was even any eye contact.

It’s the sort of petulant moment Ten Hag could have done without, while Rashford spent the remainder of the match sitting stoney-faced on the bench. It’s not the first time body language has been an issue with the academy graduate.

“Stop waving your arms about... he's trying to send a message out to the fans, it's not my fault,” Alan Shearer said of the player in February during United’s FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest.

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In the same month, ex-United star Rio Ferdinand has also questioned Rashford’s on-field demeanour.

“I've not seen Marcus showing that he loves what he's doing for a while and that would be my concern. I think as a club that's the question I'd want to ask of him,” he said. “Body language is so important and for a long time, his body language has been someone who seems stressed or not happy with where he's at.”

A player struggling to find his best form is one thing, but the least fans expect is maximum effort. It’s not something Rashford always delivers on. Sunday encapsulated perfectly where his career is at. Some bright sparks, no cutting edge, and all overshadowed by a moment of petulance.

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It's something to reflect on over the international break. Not so long ago Rashford was seen as a crucial player for England. Now he’ll be watching the Three Lions from home.

Whether Ten Hag will still be a United employee once the full squad returns in 10 days’ time remains uncertain. What is clear, though, is that he can longer rely on Rashford if he remains in his post.

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