Ralf Rangnick has issued Marcus Rashford his biggest challenge yet at Manchester United

It’s probably fair to say everyone involved with Manchester United want this season to be over. Not only the fans, but the players too would happily see the back of this dreadful campaign.

After being so full of hope and expectation last summer, the past nine months have set everyone back to their lowest ebb. Very few players will emerge out of this season with their reputations enhanced, and many will head into a new era with serious doubts hanging over them.

Few players sum up that perilous position better than Marcus Rashford. The 24-year-old could do no wrong this time last year – he was a symbol of a brighter future for the club after a difficult few years following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, he was set to be one of England’s stars at another major tournament, and his off-field work saw him held in the highest regard, even by some of United’s biggest rivals.

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Now though, the academy graduate faces a crucial summer, with his Old Trafford future potentially at stake. Having endured by far the toughest season of his career so far, there are serious questions over his position, with the player himself even considering his next steps.

Jadon Sancho’s arrival has seen him drop down the pecking order, although there was always still a place for him in the side, even if it was in a less-favoured position. More alarmingly for Rashford, he now looks to have been overtaken by Anthony Elanga.

While hopes were high for the young Swede, few could have expected him to nail down a regular spot in United’s side this season. But with the 20-year-old outperforming Rashford, he’s gained the trust of Ralf Rangnick since the German arrived.