Marcus Rashford is in trouble again at Manchester United after Brighton defeat
Marcus Rashford struggled for Manchester United in their Premier League defeat to Brighton on Saturday
PA
Manchester United have started Marcus Rashford in all three of their matches so far this season. However, the 26-year-old is a shadow of his usual self - as Saturday's performance against Brighton proved.
The Red Devils went into the game hoping to build on their 1-0 win over Fulham on matchday one, with Joshua Zirkzee netting the winner on that occasion.
United slumped to defeat against Brighton, however, with goals from Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro either side of a strike from Amad Diallo giving the home side all three points.
Erik ten Hag's side weren't awful, but they weren't brilliant either. Despite another summer of big spending, the usual problems remain.
Marcus Rashford struggled for Manchester United in their Premier League defeat to Brighton on Saturday
PA
Rashford never used to be a problem. Quite the opposite, in fact.
He is a footballer with supreme talent, a player capable of exploding into life and grabbing football matches by the scruff of the neck.
Or at least, he used to be. It is becoming apparent that Rashford is a hindrance at Old Trafford, with the England international flat once again against Brighton.
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Rashford was lively in the Community Shield two weeks ago but missed several big chances that a previous version of himself would likely have taken.
But he's since been subdued and underwhelming in matches against both Fulham and Brighton. Hopes of getting him back to the player that scored 30 goals just two seasons ago are starting to fade.
With United needing a goal, and seeking a winner, Rashford came off with Alejandro Garnacho put on.
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It is baffling that the Argentina international continues to be a substitute when he's so electric.
Garnacho was unlucky not to score at the Amex. He immediately posed a threat, running directly at Brighton in a way that Rashford didn't. He converted from close range in the second half but Zirkzee, sliding in, accidentally got a touch that meant the goal was ruled out for offside.
United, at the start of the summer, were quick to insist that Rashford wouldn't be sold.
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Marcus Rashford was poor for Manchester United as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat to Brighton
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He is reportedly doing extra training sessions with Ruud van Nistelrooy, United's assistant manager who returned to Old Trafford in the summer after a brilliant five-year stint with the club during his own playing days.
With each passing match, however, Rashford's decline becomes obvious. It is alarming, for both club and country, that he can't seem to get the confidence boost he needs.
Ten Hag is a stubborn manager, meaning he's likely to persevere with Rashford for the foreseeable future.
Marcus Rashford's place at Manchester United is under threat with Alejandro Garnacho waiting in the wings
REUTERS
There were other below-par performers against Brighton, of course. Casemiro was one of them, with the Brazilian still showing signs of waning. Mason Mount was flat again, too.
But Rashford is in trouble at United. He must start delivering the goods to keep his place on the left wing.
If not, Garnacho is lying in wait.
And whether the United star can regain his swagger, and show the brilliance he so obviously possesses, remains to be seen.