Manchester United's Marcus Rashford might have to play in his weakest position under Erik ten Hag

Versatility can be a useful trait in football, but for some players, the ability to play in a range of positions can actually become a hindrance.

Take Marcus Rashford, for example. He burst onto the scene at Manchester United as an enigmatic forward and was propelled forward by a sheer desire to play anywhere on the pitch, such was his craving for a chance in the first-team.

His breakthrough campaign came as a centre-forward amid a striker shortage at the club, and he hit the ground running with such velocity that he would keep that role until the end of his debut season.

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However, with the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the end of that campaign, Rashford was shifted out to the left wing, making occasional appearances through the middle, but operating mainly as an inverted winger.

A year later, it was the arrival of Romelu Lukaku that further diminished Rashford's hopes of playing through the middle, and throughout his United career, most of his appearances in a central role have been due to a lack of alternatives, rather than because of his own merits in the position.

In total, Rashford has played 147 times as a left winger for United, 113 times as a centre-forward and 38 times as a right winger.

The Manchester Evening News revealed in March Rashford was considering his future at the club after he was left out of the team for the 4-1 loss to City despite being the only available senior player with experience of operating as a striker.

United have made it clear they have no plans to sell the 24-year-old this summer, and Rashford is believed to be excited by the arrival of Erik ten Hag and the chance to impress the new