24-year-old striker Alvaro Morata has always been a world-class talent with massive potential, but he wasn’t able to secure his spot in Real Madrid’s first team this year. The Spaniard is now being heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.
Were he to sign, the question of how much his arrival will impact the growth of both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial will be raised. United’s two young starlets have shown their class on the pitch, if not on the consistent level which will be demanded of them as they mature, turning up with goals that have completely changed the course of the match on a number of occasions.
Impact on Marcus Rashford
Last season, Rashford was competing alongside a veteran; Zlatan Ibrahimovic. With Ibrahimovic scoring 17 goals in the Premier League last season, Rashford struggled to secure his spot as striker in the first team. The 19-year-old only made 16 starts in the Premier League, scoring five goals.
Despite his difficulty in breaking into the first team domestically, he played a key part in his side’s Europa League triumph. He was given playing time, after Ibrahimovic picked up an injury which ruled him out for three months. When the Swede was fit, the Englishman was used either as an impact substitute or played out wide. He wasn’t able to display his full potential, however, as his blistering pace and clinical finishing ability was not being fully utilised.
Ibrahimović’s contract runs out very shortly and the club have decided not to renew it. Should Morata replace him, Rashford would likely see himself on the bench for most of the upcoming season. When given playing time at Madrid, the Spaniard was exceptional; he managed to score 15 goals in 14 starts and 12 substitute appearances. His arrival in Manchester would stunt the growth of Rashford, as he would very rarely start games in his favoured position. Any chance of the two splitting game time would be unlikely, as Morata will not join any club to sit on the bench.
Impact on Anthony Martial
Martial was signed for a hefty sum to play as a striker. Under both Louis van Gaal and José Mourinho, however, he was shifted out wide. He had some success on the left wing but, just like Rashford, his pace and ability to cause defenders problems is not fully utilised in that area of the pitch. He may have had the competition of Ibrahimović, Rashford, and an out-of-form Wayne Rooney to deal with last season, but he needs more time in the centre if he is truly to develop. The promising youngster struggled to find form last season, only scoring four times in 25 appearances in the Premier League.
In order for Martial and Rashford to grow into world-class talents, it is evident that they need to be playing regularly for the team in a position and system which suits them. Both of them must be allowed to specialise in a particular role if they are to flourish. The addition of Morata to the side, therefore, regardless of how much more successful he would make it, would make it very difficult for these two talented individuals to be at their best.
Main Photo
