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Marcus Rashford ‘more natural' playing as a No 9 amid uncertain Manchester United future
Marcus Rashford says he now feels 'more comfortable and more natural' playing as a central striker after his loan spell at Aston Villa.
As reported by The Athletic on June 3, Manchester United will seek offers for the 27-year-old this summer as he does not appear to feature in head coach Ruben Amorim's plans, with another loan an option.
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Rashford has previously been of interest to Barcelona, though the La Liga club have agreed personal terms with Nico Williams of Athletic Club, another wide forward. The England international's brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, was in the Spanish city for talks.
The debate over Rashford's best position has followed the Englishman through his career but, as he appears set for a move this summer, he says he is warming more towards of the idea of primarily playing through the middle.
'For me, playing as a number nine is becoming more comfortable, more natural,' Rashford told Spanish Youtube channel xBuyer. 'Small things, such as playing back to goal, it's becoming easier for me. You're always in front of the goal so you're always dangerous.
When asked what player from the past that he saw the most in himself, he added: 'Maybe Henry. He is comfortable playing off the left side and in the middle. And he is a free-flowing player.
'When I was younger, I was enjoying watching clips from him and him playing in the Premier League.'
Jose Mourinho, who coached Rashford during his time in charge of United between 2016 and 2018, questioned his ability to operate as a striker in October 2019: 'As a number nine, I don't think he has the 30 goals a season in him. I don't think he can get better as a target man. He is not a target man, he is a man of movement.'
During his loan spell at Villa in the second half of 2024-25, Rashford was often deployed through the middle. This was to great effect, particularly against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Rashford scored four goals and provided six assists in 17 games for Villa. He has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for United.
