When Marcus Rashford burst onto the scene back in 2016, Manchester United thought they had a prolific No 9 at their disposal.
With Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney sidelined through injury, Louis van Gaal was forced to tap into the academy. Rashford was unleashed in a Europa League win over FC Midtjylland, scoring twice, before then bagging another brace against Arsenal just days later. A superstar, it seemed, had been born.
Rashford isn't a striker any more, however. Eight years on and he is a left winger instead, a position he's previously said is his best. When United need a goal, however, they invariably tend to change his position and use him differently.
It was the case against Manchester City on Saturday. The England international, who missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate's squad for the European Championships in Germany earlier this summer, started out wide before becoming his team's spearhead.
Marcus Rashford was infuriating as Man Utd lost to Man City in the Community Shield on Saturday
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But, eight years on from his arrival, Rashford has gone backwards when it comes to ruthlessness in front of goal. A player with immense potential though he is, that side to his game has changed.
There were two glorious chances for him against City in the Community Shield on Saturday. Chances the Rashford of 2016, so young, confident and keen to impress, would likely have taken.
The first was when he side-footed wide of Ederson's goal. He had nobody to beat besides the goalkeeper but failed to even get his effort on target, instead spraying it wide. Cue groans from the red side of the crowd.
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The second was when he struck the post with his left foot. It was a chance Erling Haaland, who was surprisingly subdued, would have buried at the opposite end without a doubt.
Rashford certainly wasn't poor by any standards. But there's this feeling that he's arguably the most frustrating player in world football right now.
Two years ago, when Erik ten Hag first arrived, he suddenly scaled new heights. He netted 30 goals across all competitions, becoming the first player to do so for the club since Robin van Persie back in 2013.
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But Rashford just can't stay consistent. There were promising signs against City but when it comes to converting chances, he misses too many to be considered elite.
It'll also be intriguing to see what happens going forward. When it comes to wingers, United aren't short on stock.
Alejandro Garnacho, who opened the scoring in the 82nd minute before Bernardo Silva's impressive headed equaliser, has to start every game.
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Marcus Rashford was prolific when he burst onto the scene for Man Utd back in 2016
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The 20--year-old is lightning. A man who idolises Cristiano Ronaldo but plays with Lionel Messi, his goal shows he's a player for the now - as well as the future.
Jadon Sancho missed a penalty in the shootout and seems somewhat jinxed. But if he can produce the form he showed for Borussia Dortmund last season, he'll also pose a threat to Rashford's position.
Antony and Amad are better on the left but have shown versatility in the past. Facundo Pellstri was used at right-back and is expected to leave before the transfer window shuts.
Marcus Rashford missed two big chances as Man Utd lost to Man City in Saturday's Community Shield clash
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Only by scoring goals can Rashford truly hope to nail down his spot in the team.
He is infuriating but has shown in the past what he can do. United need that magic and England do too.
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