There are huge hopes for Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, however, under Jose Mourinho this season fans have seen a lot less of last season’s breakthrough sensation than they would have liked or even expected.

The reasoning behind his decisions, though, are more than understandable. Despite the obvious talent of the England international, it is hard to imagine many situations where you would pick him over Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Rashford made his mark on the Red Devils setup in a fortuitous situation for himself, with injuries leading to his emergence, therefore it should really be no surprise that he has taken somewhat of a back seat this season.

However, the speed at which he made the step up first to senior level and then international should show Mourinho that he is more than ready to be a regular in this Manchester United side, as he was at the end of last season.

Though he does not look out of place in that side, it is still a dilemma for the former Chelsea manager, despite his talent Rashford will not be able to fill Zlatan’s boots should he leave this summer, and with a deal for Antoine Griezmann on the horizon, it may be a similar case next season.

With that in mind, Mourinho will look to one of his former players for inspiration. Everton striker Romelu Lukaku made just three appearances under the now-United boss during his time in west London, but he is now one of the hottest properties in European football.

Far from a regular with Chelsea, a decision many at Stamford Bridge more than likely rue, the Belgium international headed out on loan, first to West Brom and then Everton. What that did for the powerhouse of a striker is more than clear.

Rashford is in a far better position than his Goodison Park counterpart was when he was looking to breaking in Mourinho’s Chelsea team, however, a similar move could benefit him in much the same way.

Considering he has already proved his worth at Old Trafford, there is no suggestion that Rashford would have to go out on successive loans as Lukaku did, before joining Everton on a permanent basis, however, a season as the main man at a top half Premier League club could see him return to Mourinho three times the striker he left.

It is not a call that would likely go down well amongst United fans, however, should Rashford get the exposure needed at a temporary club, it could do wonders for his career and United’s success over the coming seasons.