Whisper it quietly but Marcus Rashford’s Dream Team returns are heading in the right direction
IT wasn't that long ago Marcus Rashford (£3.9m) was among the world's most in-form players.
The 26-year-old shined for England at the 2022 World Cup and returned from Qatar in blistering form for Manchester United.
He scored ten goals in as many Premier League games in a purple patch that lasted from late December until the start of March.
Needless to say, Old Trafford's homegrown hero provided a tidal wave of Dream Team points during this time - his ownership also went through the roof.
Rashford's returns gradually fell away in the final quarter of the season and that proved to be a prelude for what was to come in 2023/24.
Erik ten Hag's side have had severe problems scoring goals this season - only Burnley, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace have scored fewer in the top flight.
Rashford is not solely to blame but his tally of four goals from 26 appearances (all comps) represents a serious deficit from what is expected of him, especially after his world-class spell this time last year.
Until very recently, the Red Devils' No10 was among worst under-performers against their xG in the Premier League.
However, two goals in his last two outings have partially addressed his underlying numbers and Man United's fans will hope it's the start of a significant upturn.
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Whisper it quietly but Rashford's Dream Team returns are already heading in the right direction.
After an eight-point haul against Tottenham on Sunday, he's now earned 33 points across his last four outings.
Statistically, only three forwards - Joao Pedro (£3.8m), Alexander Isak (£4.5m), Matheus Cunha (£3.6m) - are in better form than Rashford at the time of writing.
Understandably, many Dream Team gaffers won't be fully convinced by four decent showings after such a long spell of underwhelming returns.
But Rashford is an asset who warrants diligent consideration as few players are capable of reaching such heights when at their best, as evidenced by last season when he briefly put Erling Haaland (£7.9m) under pressure at the top of the rankings.
Instinctively, Dream Team bosses will also be wary of any option from Man United's ranks right now.
Ten Hag's men have won just one of their last six league games and while this run includes a spirited comeback against a strong Aston Villa outfit and a handy draw at Anfield, such positives are countered by the 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth and defeat away to Nottingham Forest.
Brighton only need a point at home to Wolves next Monday to shunt Man United down to eighth in the table - Chelsea are now just one point behind too.
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A forward with four goals for the season who represents a club ever so close to mid-table mediocrity wouldn't usually be worth a second thought in the world of Dream Team but Rashford's previous efforts make him an exception.
A situation to keep an eye on, at least...
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