“Big season” – Man Utd star tipped to bag 15-20 goals if he replaces Sesko upfront

Following his return to Manchester United, Marcus Rashford is finding himself under the spotlight once more.

The 28-year-old became an outcast during Ruben Amorim’s era and spent 18 months on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona.

The Englishman was hoping to complete a permanent transfer to Camp Nou, but the Catalan giants preferred to spend the cash on Anthony Gordon.

Therefore, Rashford returned to Carrington and was embraced by his former teammate Michael Carrick, who lifted Amorim’s veto.

Alan Pardew expects Marcus Rashford to deliver the goods this season

Although he’s considered a versatile forward, Rashford has often played as an inverted left winger, capitalising on his ability to run down the flank with his blistering pace and cutting down the middle to set up a shot with his right foot.

Therefore, he is expected to challenge Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu for a starting role in Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

However, Alan Pardew believes the England international should be deployed as a centre-forward, at least occasionally.

“Rashford can play as a No. 9 also, of course when he’s played as a No.9 for United, it hasn’t always gone well. But I think there are the odd games where he could play there, particularly away from home,” said the former Newcastle manager during his appearance on talkSPORT (via Manchester United Forever)

“Obviously, when you’re one of the bigger teams and you haven’t got as much of the ball — although United will have most of the ball against most opposition — Rashford would be a great outlet because of his pace and the threat he poses to the opposition.”

Moreover, Pardew believes Rashford will play an integral role in the club’s success this season, as he expects him to deliver comprehensive numbers.

“As I say, I think he’s going to have a big season. If Rashford manages to score 15-20 goals this season, United are going to have a great season.”

Should Rashford lead the line for Man Utd?

Based on his performances last season (especially under Carrick), Benjamin Sesko cemented himself as the club’s ultimate centre-forward.

But with United expected to play around 60 games this season, the manager needs various options for the role. In fact, the Slovenian has already started the first two matches of the season on the bench as he continues to work on regaining his best athletic shape following an injury ordeal.

With Joshua Zirkzee cast aside, Carrick has preferred to switch either Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha to the centre-forward role.

The Cameroonian might be the preferred option of the two thanks to his superior physicality and pace, but Amad Diallo’s absence means he has to start in his original position on the right wing.

Therefore, Cunha has been leading the line for United in recent weeks, but has only managed to produce one assist. So it would be interesting to see if Rashford can prove more efficient in front of goal.

Perhaps Rashford, Cunha, and Mbeumo can all exchange positions, somewhat similar to PSG’s attacking trio, leaving no focal points for defenders.