Rangnick backs Rashford to follow Sancho's lead
Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick believes it is only a mere matter of time before forward Marcus Rashford returns to his best form, just like team-mate Jadon Sancho.
The no.10 worked hard against Atletico Madrid in midweek but cut a frustrated figure, as Diego Simeone's organised side held firm at the back.
Rashford was substituted by Rangnick with 15 minutes to go in Spain and replacement Anthony Elanga capped only his second appearance in the Champions League by netting our equaliser at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Marcus - who made his senior debut six years ago today - missed the beginning of this season after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury and is getting fitter all the time. Rangnick confirmed in today's press conference there are no worries at all regarding his condition.
Since making his first-team debut, Marcus has registered 151 goal involvements from 293 United appearances, split into 93 goals and 58 assists.
“We have talked a lot about Marcus in the last couple of weeks and I have personally spoken a lot with him. There is nothing else to add on that, it’s with him like it is with all the other players.
‘’If it counts they are on the pitch as he was against Atletico Madrid and they just have to perform but I know he is not happy with his performance right now but it doesn’t help if we discuss that every week.
“We can all make our thoughts as to what it could be but I don’t see any reason we he should be happy.’’
Rashford has scored twice since the turn of the year, against Brentford and West Ham United, and has been utilised on the right wing in recent weeks, with Jadon Sancho operating up the left.
And with our summer recruit starting to come into his own following a string of exciting performances, Ralf believes the team right now is in a stable and healthy condition.
''Right now he is trying to find his best possible shape and performance and we are just trying to give him that helping hand with everything we can, showing him video footage and speaking with him regularly.
''In training he is in top form and shape and that is why I played him, but now it’s about transforming that performance from training into the league and this is the next step he has to take.''
Part two: Ralf's Watford press conference
Watch the second part of Ralf's media briefing for his take on Dean Henderson, the top four, Marcus Rashford and more...
With Watford to come this weekend, it is unknown whether our no.10 will be chosen to start from the off, but with fellow Englishman Sancho likely to be given the nod following his own recent good form, our interim boss has full faith Marcus can do the same too.
''By the way we had a very similar situation with Jadon six to seven weeks ago and he is the best example about what can happen, it’s the player himself who has to perform and get the best out of his own performance.
''This is the same for Marcus now.''