Marcus Rashford’s performance against Antonio Conte’s Chelsea in Manchester United’s 2-0 win last weekend was nothing short of outstanding, and the youngster was fully deserving of the standing ovation received when he was brought off with minutes left to go in the second half.
However, his performance sparked question marks over the position of the man who replaced him, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish striker was left out of the starting eleven with Mourinho feeling that he wasn’t fit enough to play the full 90 minutes after playing Anderlecht in Belgium on the Thursday night.
After Rashford’s showing, there were some claiming that, with Ibrahimovic’s future up in the air, the 19-year-old has taken the reins and some even questioning if there is even a place for Zlatan at Old Trafford now. Of course, the former Barcelona and PSG man is not a mobile as the likes of Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Rashford, however, every manager is well aware of that when signing the talisman.
The 35-year-old has been one of United’s best players this season, perhaps only pipped to top spot by midfielder Ander Herrera, scoring vital goals when those around him have been off the pace, with the EFL Cup final against Southampton being the most obvious example of such an occasion, without Zlatan’s imperious performance at Wembley, Claude Puel’s side would, without doubt, have taken the League Cup back to the south coast.
Rashford’s goal against Chelsea was vital in calming the rest of Mourinho’s side and getting them on their way to a memorable win, however, it is hard to see him scoring the goals that his senior has so far this season, not just yet anyway.
With that in mind, Mourinho needs his summer signing more than ever as they approach the crux of their season, starting with the visit of Anderlecht tonight.
With a Champions League place on the line as United go for the Europa League crown and a top four spot in the Premier League over the coming weeks, the former Chelsea boss will need the likes of Zlatan to step up and put in those top performances week after week, something you would not trust Rashford with so early in his career.
Whilst the breakthrough sensation from last year will certainly have a say in the remainder of the season and an illustrious career at Old Trafford, the suggestions that, off the back of one performance against Chelsea, there is now no place for the club’s top goal-scorer are wild, Mourinho needs his main man now more than ever.