Despite falling behind twice, Manchester United managed to get the better of Premier League bottom-dwellers Sheffield United 4-2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Erik ten Hag dropped his flawed high-transition system for a more possession-based approach, possibly after receiving instructions from new technical director Jason Wilcox.
Marcus Rashford dropped out after he sustained an injury with Coventry City all over the Red Devils last weekend and his future remains uncertain, especially if possession becomes the new mantra moving forward.
The Mancunian relishes the chance to play off the shoulder of the last man and make those darting runs from left to inside and these have resulted in numerous goals with the 20-time English league champions playing on the counter.
Rashford’s uncertain future
But if new co-owners INEOS decide that the club needs to move forward while employing a possession game, the England international’s threat could decrease.
He is not at his best when trying to remain patient and pass the ball from one side to another and considering the dismal season he has had, and with the player unhappy with all the abuse he is receiving, a move away is reportedly being considered by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United have been linked with a move for Kaoru Mitoma in the past and those links have resurfaced with Fichajes claiming that the Old Trafford side are among a trio of Premier League clubs chasing the Japanese.
“The competition to secure Mitoma’s signature will surely be intense, as his talent and age profile makes him a coveted target in the transfer market.
“Arsenal are currently ahead of Manchester City and Manchester United in the race for Mitoma who could be one of the biggest hits of the summer market.”
Mitoma links resurface
The Brighton star has three goals and five assists this term, not his or the club’s best season in recent memory while in the last campaign, he had notched 10 goals and eight assists with his dribbling earning a lot of praise.
Also having played under Roberto De Zerbi, playing out from the back and holding on to possession when needed come more naturally to him.
The current season has shown Mitoma might not be the answer, especially for United. Whether INEOS think Mitoma is the ideal replacement in case Rashford does end up leaving remains to be seen.
So far, Paris Saint-Germain are the only big club linked with a move and even those rumours have died down. Hopefully, the Mancunian can regain his form in the closing stages of this season so as to go out all guns blazing once the next campaign rolls around.
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