Mikael Silvestre analyses the Manchester United forward line after Spurs loss

Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre backs Marcus Rashford to continue scoring goals this season, whilst also believing that those supplementing the Englishman in attacking areas should be aiming for a fair-sized Premier League haul.

In this article:

• Antony, Garnacho, Sancho and Mount should be aiming for 10-15 goals
• Rashford has to score more goals this season
• Facundo Pellestri and Amd Diallo have to show their worth
• Responsible Gambling

Antony, Garnacho, Sancho and Mount should be aiming for 10-15 goals

It’s been a difficult start to the season for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag. A tepid 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton was followed by a dreadful second-half performance against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side. The United boss went with an unchanged side for the clash, and despite a promising first half in which they could have been two goals to the good, United ended losing 2-0 thanks to goals from Pape Sarr and a Lisandro Martinez own goal.

For much of last season, United were highly dependent on the goals of Marcus Rashford. United will be desperate for the likes of Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Mason Mount to chip in with goals. Silvestre believes they should all be aiming for 10-15 goals across the season if United are to improve on last season.

“They should be aiming between 10-15 goals each. That should be the aim for players like them.”

“Antony started well last season, but 10-15 should be the target for offensive players in the midfield.”

“You’re going to be playing a lot of games, and there will be a lot of opportunities to score this amount of goals.”

Rashford has to score more goals this season

It’s been a slow start to the season for Rashford, who is said to prefer playing on the left side. However, he’s been forced to deputise for Antony Martial and Rasmus Højlund whilst the strikers work their way back to full fitness.

Rashford has appeared to be a frustrated and isolated figure and has also drawn criticism from sections of the United fan base for his demeanour and lack of work rate. Silvestre remains confident in Rashford’s ability to score goals as long as he is given the service from the players around him.

“For Marcus, score more goals.”

“He had an excellent season, but yeah, consistency, that’s something that could come back.”

“But I believe he will be able to manage, and we won’t see a long goal drought this time out. I think he can manage the situation better, at least mentally, to go through it. I don’t think he’ll be doubting himself anymore.”

“So, the goals should be coming, but you know the No. 9s are also dependent on the balls they’re being fed and the form of the team. If United are dominating, he will continue to go on the same type of run of goals.”

Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo have to show their worth

Much of the United fan base remains excited at the prospect of the likes of Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo breaking through. Diallo enjoyed a fine season at Sunderland last season and has shown a lot of promise. The likes of Antony and Sancho have also flattered to deceive during their time at United. Silvestre says that Pellistri and Diallo must take their opportunities when they come to United.

“If you look at it, there are two players for each position except the centre-forward unless Anthony Martial continues to play for Manchester United.”

“Garnacho is clearly a very good option, and he started last night, but for Pellistri and Diallo, they have to step up and show their worth.”

“They will have the opportunities to do that and step up behind Antony, behind Rashford, and they need to take those chances.”

“Yeah, if Amad Diallo can bring his Championship form, it is great, but he also played in the Serie A for Atalanta before coming to United, so he knows what the level is. It is intense for sure, he has top defenders to go against in 1v1s, but he’s a good player.”

“Same as Garnacho; if Garnacho can do it, I think Diallo can also break through and add value to the front line.”

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING

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