Owen says Rashford risks losing his Manchester United starting spot

Michael Owen questions Marcus Rashford's mindset and predicts the forward could drop out of Manchester United's lineup once Benjamin Sesko returns from injury.

Michael Owen has questioned whether Marcus Rashford can hold on to his place in Manchester United's starting XI. The former striker, speaking via Metro, said the 28-year-old has been the quietest of United's attackers and believes his spot on the left is the most vulnerable in the front line.

Rashford returned to United in the summer after 18 months on loan with Aston Villa and Barcelona. Owen suggested the player never truly wanted to come back and said Barcelona's decision not to keep him, after signing Anthony Gordon as a replacement, showed his spell there was not the success some claimed.

Owen argued that Rashford's issue is mentality rather than ability, saying the forward has everything needed to be a top player but has not produced it consistently. He added that if Benjamin Sesko recovers from injury and returns to the lineup, Matheus Cunha could shift to the left wing and push Rashford out.

Rashford's situation is complicated by a hip problem picked up in Sunday's draw at Fulham, which led to his withdrawal from the England squad. Head coach Michael Carrick also has other options, with some calling for teenager Shea Lacey to get a chance on the right wing, which would free Bryan Mbeumo to play through the middle.