Man Utd legend backs Marcus Rashford to make a change – identical to Jadon Sancho

On May 4, 2024

Marcus Rashford has to prove his worth for Manchester United and England over the next few weeks to make it a summer to remember, says Paul Ince.

The striker came off with an injury in United’s FA Cup penalty shootout win over Coventry at Wembley nearly a fortnight ago and has been out of action since, and isn’t expected to feature against Crystal Palace on Monday night.

But with his future at Old Trafford up in the air – and a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euros potentially in the balance – Ince insists the 26-year-old has to sort himself out quickly.

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“It’ll be interesting to see what happens at the end of the season,” he said. “For Rashford, it’s not just been him struggling, though. At times that whole United side has.

“But goals give players confidence and he’s got to keep going as there’s lots of competition for places on England’s left-hand side. He needs to make sure he’s fit and getting nearer to his best as we reach the end of the season.

“Going into the big tournaments England need all their players firing. Just look at Phil Foden at City and Declan Rice at Arsenal. You really want all of your players to be in decent form.”

What should United do with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho this summer? Let us know in the comments section.

Marcus Rashford speaks to Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Coventry City and Manchester United — Marcus Rashford and Erik ten Hag in the FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry
(Image: Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Rashford finished last season with a career-best tally of 30 goals. But he’s been out of sorts this term, with just seven Premier League goals to his name, and was spotted partying in Northern Ireland in January.

Ince reckons Rashford could benefit from a change of scenery – just like Jadon Sancho who is flourishing back at Borussia Dortmund on loan. Sancho struggled for form and consistency at United, scoring 12 goals in 82 appearances, and also fell out with Erik ten Hag.

Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson shares a joke with Blackburn Rovers Manager Paul Ince in 2008

Jadon Sancho has rediscovered his best form away from United, and Marcus Rashford needs to find his again at Old Trafford
(Image: Getty Images)

But the 24-year-old has got his groove back in Germany and produced a virtuoso display against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek. “Sometimes it’s the wrong time, moment or situation for a player,” added Ince.

“You see it with a lot of players where you think, ‘Oh he’s not good enough’. But then all of a sudden they do alright at another club.

Erik ten Hag of Manchester United speaks to Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho — Erik ten Hag and Jadon Sancho had issues before the player’s loan to Dortmund
(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Jadon Sancho of Dortmund dribbles — Jadon Sancho was brimming with confidence vs PSG
(Image: Christian Liewig/Getty Images)

“Obviously there was the situation with Sancho and Ten Hag. But the he’s also a very good player – he showed the first time he was at Dortmund. It’s just a different kettle of fish when you’re at a club like United.

“He needed to go and play football. But now he’s getting that confidence back and looks like a completely different player.”