Community Article: Rashford redemption?
FPL Shake n Bake has been taking a look at Marcus Rashford ahead of the new season. Rashford has taken a large price drop in FPL this season after a disappointing campaign in 2021/22. Could Rashford be a good pick for the 2022/23 season? FPL Shake n Bake takes a look at whether this season will be a Rashford redemption campaign.
Ahead of last season, I wrote a post on my blog detailing the hangover effect that can occur for those painted as scapegoats within major international tournaments.
I focussed on the three young English players to miss penalties in the heart-breaking loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. Whilst Bukayo Saka was able to bounce back impressively from the summers disappointment and have his highest ever FPL score. The two others both had disappointing seasons at Old Trafford.
Jadon Sancho showed flashes of the player we expect him to be throughout the season. But the major disappointment was Marcus Rashford.
Previously Rashford had three consecutive seasons of hitting double figures in terms of goals. With 26 assists across those seasons. In 2021/22 Rashford however could only deliver four goals and two assists on his way to his lowest FPL season score since his debut season.
2021/22
On the back of the summer disappointment, Rashford had shoulder surgery, causing him to miss the first seven games of the season. Upon his return, Rashford actually started the season well. Two goals in his first three games of the season (both as substitute appearances) suggested that he could continue where he’d left off in recent seasons. However, things then began to unravel at Old Trafford.
In between his two goals, United suffered a defeat, as Mo Salah and his Liverpool side destroyed them at Old Trafford. Following the impressive bounce back win against Spurs where Rashford scored, United were beaten by their City rivals at Old Trafford. they then suffered defeat at Vicarage Road with Watford beating them 4-1. This culminated in Ole Gunnar Solksjaer losing his managerial role.
Despite starting the next five for United, Rashford could only provide one assist throughout those fixture. This saw him dropped to the bench, only featuring for 15 minutes of the next two before suffering another injury.
Rashford bounced back with two goals and an assist in his next four Premier League appearances. But these were s to be his final contributions of the season. Meaning he has had no goal involvements since the 12th February in the Premier League.
Reflective of this, Rashford has been priced up at £6.5m for next season. Buf if he can reach former heights, then he has the potential to be a bargain for FPL Managers.
Player comparison
Using the Fantasy Football Scout Members Area Comparison tool, I’ve compared Rashford’s 20/21 and 19/20 seasons, to one of last seasons FPL darlings – Jarrod Bowen.. and there’s no comparison.
Pre-Season
So far, United have scored fseven goals in their pre-season games. Rashford has scored against Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace. This suggests that Ten Hag sees him as first choice, and will give him plenty of minutes to start the season.
It’s a pivotal season for Rashford, both for club and country. If he gets back to the Rashford we know he can be, then he becomes a key part of a potentially revitalised United attack. I’d also expect to see him force his way back into the England squad for the World Cup this winter.
After a long break over the summer, and with a new manager, I’m putting my money on him bouncing back to his best. And with how popular Man United players can be in the game, I expect his price to rise quickly. Jump on now, whilst you can.
Considering a different United asset? Will Bruno Fernandes be a good option? Check out our recent article.
