When young England international Marcus Rashford made his first debut for Manchester United in the Europa League last season against FC Midtjylland, nobody would have ever imagined in their wildest dreams that the England forward would have such an impact with the Red Devils.
Rashford net two goals on his debut, followed by two more on Premier League debut against Arsenal and a winner in the derby against local rivals Manchester City and the youngster had made the entire world take notice.
By the end of the season, Rashford had already seen the 10 times for his team and had notched up series of assists alongside as well. All this were achieved in just three months of making his debut for the Red Devils. The 18-year-old was one of the few bright spots to emerge out from an unimpressive season under Louis Van Gaal.
However, with the outcast of the Dutchman at the Old Trafford and taking over of the mercurial Jose Mourinho cast some dark clouds over his further development at United, given Mourinho’s reluctance to work with youths in the past.
And the club signing of the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimović had done nothing to alleviate those fears.
With the Swedish forward carrying the burden of goalscoring heavily, it is natural that the Red Devils have been linked with top-notch forwards. Antoine Griezmann is one of those attackers who the media have been linking with a move to United in the summer.
The French forward has become one of the most sought after striker in Spain having bagged 72-goals for the Los Rojiblancos since his move from Real Sociedad in 2014, in just 139 appearances.
Having been one the best attackers in the game currently, the former Real Sociedad is being chased by many top flights with the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain but if reports making the rounds are anything to go by, United are the most likely destination for the 25-year-old. But what will his move to United mean for Rashford? How will it affect his development?
Rashford was largely to be the main striker for United, post Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. However, given the star recent slump in form, it seems the Red Devils would be better off bringing in another quality addition like the Spaniard in the summer.
Additionally, he has looked much more menacing on the left-wing in recent times. Causing plenty of problems to the opponent full-backs with his speed, direct running and his dribbling accuracy. The Portuguese manager chose him over the likes of Martial to feature more regularly on the wings.
He will arrive Old Trafford next summer as a natural heir to Zlatan and will play through the middle, allowing Rashford to continue his progress playing consistently in the wide areas.
Rashford has age on his side, being just 19, he has shown great maturity and cravings that belies his age. But Manchester United should also keep in mind that, despite showing glimpses of his natural ability, he doesn’t seem ready to lead the line for United week in week out. Griezmann, undoubtedly would be an ideal signing for the Red Devils, but as far as Rashford is concerned, signing Griezmann would in no way bring an abrupt end to the teenager’s development. Instead, lining both the player up would benefit Rashford in immense ways, helping him to take over the mantle in the future.