Old Trafford icon, Lee Sharpe, believes that Marcus Rashford and Casemiro have been integral to Manchester United’s success this season.
Upon his arrival at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag made it his mission to drag the club back to the pinnacle of the sport. And in order to do that, he thought it necessary to bring in an array of new signings while also boosting the confidence of one of the side’s best players.
With the help of the Dutch gaffer, Rashford has looked tremendous, scoring 11 goals in 22 appearances this season. And consequently, Sharpe has taken his opportunity to give the player his credit.
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Lee Sharpe discusses Marcus Rashford
The 51-year-old said: “Rashford seems to be growing into himself, and his confidence is coming back. He’s got a bit of a swagger and playing the game on his terms a bit more, scoring and creating goals, and looks a threat every time he’s got the ball. I think we’re getting Marcus Rashford back to where we expect him to be. After a poor season by his standards last year, he looks a real threat.”
Furthermore, with Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the club, the former left-winger believes that Rashford could get a big opportunity.
He claimed: “I still think they need a striker as Martial is a little more injury-prone than you’d like. But I do like Martial – on his day, he can be unplayable, and he scores goals, holds the ball up well and does all the right things. But he does get injured, and you do need that other option with Ronaldo gone. I’d like to see Rashford up as a number 9. But I think they could do with a goal-scoring number 9 that can replace Martial if he’s injured or the game takes a turn and needs something a little bit different.”
Lee Sharpe rates Casemiro
Since signing for Manchester United for £60 million, the Brazilian playmaker has proved his worth. With the club clearly in disarray, Ten Hag knew the squad needed a born winner, and Casemiro was the perfect fit.
But the midfielder hasn’t just dazzled the fans, but a United legend as well.
Sharpe said: “I think he’s been class, and he’s settling in really well. He helps protect the back four really well because people would say that United’s weakness was the back four, and he’s come in and protected them really well. They’ve had a lot more clean sheets since he’s come in. He plays the game really well, doesn’t give the ball away and keeps it simple. Maybe a bit too much back and sideways at times. But his first pass is generally forward, and rarely gives it away. He’s been a really strong signing – allowing people like Bruno and Eriksen a bit more of the chance to get forward.”