Michael Carrick makes Marcus Rashford vow, his number inflate how bad he really was

Michael Carrick has promised to stick by Marcus Rashford despite the forward’s goalshy start to the season.

Manchester United fans were worried when it became clear Marcus Rashford was returning to the club. To be fair, Rashford has been putting in the effort. The problem is that he just has not been good enough.

A decent five minutes here and there is not enough, and he is yet to score or create a single goal so far this season.

Head coach Michael Carrick believes the goals will come for Rashford, and he has vowed to stick by the England international.

Speaking post-game, Carrick said: “I think he was a threat. You know, he could have had a couple of goals for us today. He’s getting himself in some really good positions. And it’s just not quite falling for him. And it will. It will.

“We had to bring him off because he had a bit of an issue.

“We know Marcus, we know how to get the best out of him and we’ll continue to do that.”

Rashford numbers better than his display

Marcus Rashford scored lowly in our player ratings; he was the most wasteful performer on the pitch. He missed one particularly simple close range chance in the first half.

Rashford actually posted the highest number of touches in the Fulham box, more than any United player, with 10 in total. He also attempted the most shots, with six.

He also created four chances. Despite this, Fulham were rarely troubled by him.

When it really mattered, just like with his one-v-one against Brighton in the week, Rashford failed to hit the net when he needed to.

Rio Ferdinand suggest alternate approach

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has suggested that a position change might unlock more out of Marcus Rashford.

He posted via X that he believes Rashford should be tried through the centre.

Put Marcus thru middle
Cunha on left
Give the CB something different to think about?

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5)

September 20, 2026

Benjamin Sesko was out against Fulham due to injury, prompting United to look at alternate options.

Rashford in the middle was not one of the ones that Carrick tried. And considering his recent poor record in front of goal, it could either makes his woes worse, or help him break his cold streak.

What you might get is a better version of Cunha playing from the left, where he had more of an impact for United last season.