Marcus Rashford has just backed up theory to help Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United

Marcus Rashford is Manchester United’s top scorer this season with five goals to his name.

The England international has turned a corner after last season’s misery woes, already matching his 2021/22 tally. But for injury, he would have been recalled into Gareth Southgate’s England squad last month and is in contention for a ticket to Qatar.

But his general good form is not unblotted. United fans know too well that the 24-year-old is liable to a few sub-par outings. His displays against Brighton and Manchester City left supporters frustrated while some will be angered after his substitute appearance against Newcastle on Sunday. Rashford missed two chances to score.

READ MORE: Why Ronaldo came off vs Newcastle

A more confident striker would have taken the shot on from the angle after rounding Nick Pope two minutes from time, but he instead found a pressurised Fred who couldn’t direct his shot at an unguarded net.

Rashford had a glorious chance to win the game for United right at the death but could only direct a close-range header wide, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo justified in his annoyance at being taken off for the academy graduate 20 minutes earlier.

Rashford was played down the middle when he was brought on but all five of his goals have come while he has played on the left, not as a centre forward. Speaking after netting two against Omonia in the Europa League earlier this month, he detailed he prefers life on the flank.

"The left side is probably more natural for me,” he said, before clarifying: “I enjoy doing both [winger and main striker], I'm just helping the team.”

Rashford’s two missed chances show he is not a fluent centre-forward, which is good news for Ronaldo. Erik ten Hag saw the extent of Rashford’s