Benni McCarthy: Unleashing the Best in Marcus Rashford
Benni McCarthy, a former Blackburn striker and Manchester United coach, fondly recalls his time working with Marcus Rashford, one of the most promising young talents at Old Trafford. During his two-year tenure on Manchester United’s coaching staff, Rashford reached a career milestone by scoring an impressive 30 goals in the 2022-23 season. McCarthy attributes this success to a simple but powerful tactic: making Rashford smile. "That season when he scored 30 goals, when he stepped on to the pitch, he’s got a bit of a smile on his face. And I’m always smiling," McCarthy shared. "I think it becomes a little bit infectious. You can’t be angry around someone like me. Rashy was in his element."
The Smile That Ignited a Season
McCarthy’s approach was not just about technical skills but also about creating a positive and supportive environment. He emphasized the importance of mental well-being and the impact it can have on a player’s performance. "He asked me for advice and it was nice that I was able to be there for him," McCarthy said. The bond they formed helped Rashford perform at his best, and his confidence was evident on the pitch. However, things took a different turn after the 2022-23 season. "After that, I don’t know what happened. He just went back into his shell and was unapproachable," McCarthy observed, expressing a mix of concern and curiosity about the forward’s recent struggles.
A Fresh Start at Aston Villa
Now, Marcus Rashford, 27, is on loan at Aston Villa, where he hopes to rebuild his career. Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has been impressed with Rashford’s initial performances. "They played good. They played 60-65 minutes so it’s another step forward from them by getting confidence and minutes, knowing the players and the idea," Emery said, referring to Rashford and fellow loanee Marcos Asensio, who both made their first starts in Villa’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Liverpool. This fresh environment and the opportunity to play regularly could be just what Rashford needs to rediscover his form and confidence.
Manchester United’s Current Woes
In contrast to Rashford’s positive start at Villa, Manchester United is facing significant challenges. Under the leadership of manager Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils have struggled, and their recent 1-0 loss to Tottenham has left them in 15th place in the Premier League. The situation has been exacerbated by a series of injuries and player departures, leaving Amorim with a depleted squad. "The Spurs match was very depressing. It was sad to see, especially when you’ve just left the club not so long ago and then you see all the injured players," McCarthy lamented. He highlighted the lack of options on the bench, which included several teenagers, and the difficulty of winning games without a strong squad depth.
The Impact of Injuries and Player Departures
The impact of injuries and the loan or departure of key players like Antony, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Martial has been particularly significant. "When you just look at the bench, you can’t see where anything is going to come from," McCarthy noted. The absence of these players has not only weakened the team’s attack but also reduced the tactical flexibility available to Amorim. This has put immense pressure on the remaining players and the manager, who are now fighting for their jobs with every match.
Looking Forward: Hope and Challenges
Despite the current challenges, there is hope for both Marcus Rashford and Manchester United. Rashford’s positive start at Aston Villa under Emery’s guidance could signal a return to form, while United will need to
