Marcus Rashford role highlighted Manchester United attacking problem in Arsenal win

Before each of the last four matches, there has been the same debate held about who Erik ten Hag should select in his Manchester United forward line. Each time the same divisive issue arises; the greatest goalscorer in the history of the men's game, or the greater good of the team?

In the last four matches, Ten Hag has opted for team cohesion and work ethic. In the last four matches, United have won.

It is now no longer a surprise when Cristiano Ronaldo starts on the bench for United, and this season he will need to come to terms with his revised role as an impact sub, rather than as the main attacking focal point of the team.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer paid the ultimate price for hastily rebuilding his side around the Portuguese forward after his overseen arrival a year ago, and it is quite clear that Ten Hag does not want to fall into the same trap, instead sticking with his gut instinct — that is to play a fluid front three who each meet his demands for movement and masterful manipulation of the ball.

What is most impressive is that United's four successive wins have been achieved without the help of first-choice striker Anthony Martial from the start, with his only involvement coming from the bench in the victory over Liverpool to inspire such a rejuvenated run.

In his place, a combination of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga and Antony have all started, four attacking figures who all fit into the desired profile of a versatile Ten Hag forward. But without the attacking output of Ronaldo, United have still struggled for clear scoring opportunities, instead relying on counter-attacks and individual moments of brilliance to beat sides, rather