Michael Olise arrival could force Marcus Rashford into unwanted Manchester United duty

Manchester United’s rumoured interest in Michael Olise is understandable in one sense and nonsensical in another.

The winger is undoubtedly a talent and he might not be at Crystal Palace beyond the summer, if not January. However, if there is one area in which United do not lack numbers, it is the flanks.

Whether United have shown enough quality there this season is another debate but Jadon Sancho’s exile has perhaps inadvertently kept more teammates happy with their game time. Alejandro Garnacho is now a starting XI regular while Facundo Pellistri has earned 13 appearances this season, albeit neither have been outright consistent.

READ MORE: Pellistri attracting loan interest

READ MORE: United have already replaced Sancho amid Dortmund talks

Marcus Rashford has markedly dropped off from the 30-goal standard he reached last season although still has three more goals than the barren Antony, who has failed to find the net since April.

The answer to addressing the general lacklustre form of these wide attackers rests in the players and manager themselves, and United should know from past failings to pivot away from the mindset that a new face will fix the cracks.

Given United’s stingy approach to the January market amid Financial Fair Play constraints, Olise being landed this month seems very unlikely unless a loan with an obligatory summer fee is agreed - which seems foolish given the other areas needing to be strengthened.

But if he does end up at Old Trafford then Rashford may be braced for a familiar request from Ten Hag. Rashford has shown that the left wing is his strongest position, albeit has hardly done enough this term to justify a selection over Garnacho.

He has been asked to play on the right instead with