Marcus Rashford has been made aware of the key Cristiano Ronaldo quality that he lacks, with the Manchester United winger told “something is missing”.

England international Rashford appeared ready to take up a standing among the global elite in 2022-23 as he registered a personal best goal return of 30 across all competitions. Standards have slipped again this season, with the target found on just six occasions, and the 26-year-old forward has been informed that he needs to start dedicating himself to his craft in the same way as five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo once did at Old Trafford.

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WHAT SAHA SAID ABOUT RASHFORD

Ex-United striker Louis Saha has told Paddy Power of how Rashford can be likened to another winger in Manchester that never truly fulfilled his potential: “I always look at the differences between Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo. They’re both very similar players in terms of quality and Nani could pretty much everything including defending and helping the team. He had a big engine. But when you have the quality to go forwards and dribble, and pass and score, it’s all about making the right decision at the right moment and that’s hard.

“Marcus Rashford has the same dilemma as Nani did because they can do pretty much everything, but something is missing. Cristiano has dedicated his game to finishing and increasing the number of situations he can get goals for himself or his team-mates, and that’s what is missing from Rashford. The fans recognise it too and say, ‘Why hasn’t he committed there?’ and these types of questions shouldn’t be asked of him. He has to commit and give 100% every time and if that means he gets subbed after 60 or 70 minutes, it’s fine if he’s given everything.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Saha added on where Rashford goes from here, with transfer talk surfacing once again: “Marcus Rashford has a few options but there are things he needs to do to improve his performances and wherever he goes won’t change that. He’s questioning his positioning on the pitch, where he has to move and how to play with instinct and freedom. He can be asked to play on the left, the right or down the middle but it doesn’t matter when you have that much quality.”

WHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?

Rashford did score a stunning goal in his latest United appearance, against City in a Premier League derby, but was also subbed off after 75 minutes in a 3-1 defeat and continues to see questions asked of his contribution to the collective cause.