Even this time last year, barely anyone beyond Manchester United’s most avid supporters had heard of Marcus Rashford. It was well documented that the 18 year old was only given his first start for United against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League last February because of an injury to Anthony Martial in the warm up to that match. How the Frenchman maybe regretting that hamstring injury now.

It seems Rashford and Martial’s careers have been going in polar opposite trajectories since then. The Frenchman burst on to the scene with a stunning solo goal against Liverpool, and in his first season under Louis van Gaal, he managed twenty goals in all competitions, but there were indications even by the end of the campaign that he was feeling the pace of his first Premier League season. He managed just six goals after that hamstring injury last campaign.

In stark contrast Rashford managed 8 goals in 18 appearances after his double against Midtjylland; stunning fans and pundits alike with his technical ability and maturity despite his lack of experience at senior level.
Although Rashford has certainly struggled more in his first full season in the first team squad, manager Jose Mourinho seems to have placed a level of trust in him that he has so far failed to impart to Martial. Sky Sports have reported that the United boss has questioned the Frenchman’s attitude, with the 21 year old absent from the match day squad against Stoke City, and told he can leave for a trip to Paris if he so wishes.

With both of similar ages, and playing similar positions, has Mourinho perhaps decided that the Englishman offers more, is prepared to work harder and will listen to instructions? It seems to be that way.  Rashford has only failed to feature in seven matches this campaign while Martial has been dropped from the squad seven times, and failed to feature in four matches when he was picked for the bench. The Frenchman only missed two matches under van Gaal the entire of last season when he was fit to play.

Trust is a key element between manager and player. When Rashford emerged from Manchester United’s Under 23s last season, it was clear he was going to make the most of his chance. He played where asked and took on board the manager’s instructions even while playing mostly out of position in a wide area.

Martial has similarly been pushed out wide to accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic this season but rumours have been constant that the forward is unhappy playing out on the wing, although his agent denied this was the case in November. Such an apparent unwillingness to adapt and work to instructions is something Mourinho won’t tolerate, and it looks like his trust in the player has eroded as the season has gone on.

It’s no secret that the Portuguese manager prefers older senior players in his teams, as he likes his tactical instructions to be implemented to the letter which younger players may ignore. Martial delivered for the most part in his first season but with Rashford competing with him for a place in the side, Mourinho has chosen the player that better suits his methods. Somebody who will listen and keep his discipline both on and off the pitch.

Such huge financial rewards at such a young age could be one reason for Martial’s lack of commitment. The Frenchman is on £3.5million a year at the age of 21, and I think most people would find it challenging to motivate themselves to succeed on such a high salary at that age. He needs to find his motivation again fast though, or he could see his United career as quickly as Rashford’s star emerged into the limelight.

After Martial’s performance on Sunday however against Wigan where the Frenchman started the FA Cup tie and had a goal disallowed but supplied 2 assists for goals you would have to say the talented Martial is going to have plenty more good days for the Red-Devils as he looked to be getting back to his best during United’s fine second half performance.