Manchester United need one injured player back more than any other

It would be typical to watch Marcus Rashford rekindle his goal-den touch while on international duty.

Despite their early-season woes, United crept back into top-four contention before the November break and they have done so without their talisman firing on all cylinders. Sparking-up just one would do right now.

Rashford plundered 30 goals in all competitions last season and credited Erik ten Hag with reigniting the 'fire' in his game. United have blown cold rather than hot this season, but Rashford is by no means the only guilty party.

ALSO READ: Injury round-up and return dates for United

ALSO READ: United have three options to replace Eriksen

The 26-year-old has always been an inspirational player. Throughout his Old Trafford career, he has enjoyed purple patches as and when, while those hot streaks have been interspersed by leaner spells.

Rashford cannot and should not be asked to do it alone. As pointed out by Roy Keane last season, the forward has to find something from within - as he did with interest last season - but United have to provide him with a platform to shine and that is something which has very much been lacking this season.

United have underperformed - individually and collectively - while Ten Hag is certainly not blameless in how things have unfolded since the resumption. However, there are mitigating circumstances for everyone involved.

Injuries have battered United more than most this season. Even now, when it looked as though they had got over the worst of those problems, there are countless star names on the Carrington treatment table.

Denmark pair Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund added to their concerns before the international break. United also remain without Lisandro Martinez and