BAMBOOZLED Manchester United fans slated a “bizarre” tactic that wasted Marcus Rashford.
And even expert commentator Ally McCoist couldn’t get his head around the idea.
ITVMarcus Rashford took up an unorthodox position at Man Utd corners[/caption]
ITVRashford was in no man’s land as Bruno Fernandes crossed past him[/caption]
Rashford, 26, started in his favoured position out wide on the left as the Red Devils took on Wigan in the FA Cup third round.
And it was from that position that the England star teed up Diogo Dalot’s well-taken opener.
But before that, supporters were left dumbfounded by the instructions given to the forward at corners in the FA Cup clash.
United earned a series of corners early on in the game and Bruno Fernandes went over to take them.
However, rather than get in the box to give himself a chance of scoring against the League One defenders, Rashford stood in an unusual spot just behind the pitch approximately ten yards away from the ball.
For two of the three set pieces, Fernandes ignored his team-mate and whipped the ball straight into the box while he did play one short for the Three Lions international.
McCoist – covering the game at the DW Stadium alongside Sam Matterface – was not best pleased and believed Rashford was being wasted.
The Scottish legend moaned: “If they’re not going to take a short corner then Rashford should be in the box. You’re not going to score out there.”
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And plenty of supporters were equally disgruntled.
One said: “McCoist is right, why would you waste Rashford on short corners to give it back to Bruno – if that’s the tactic use someone else and have Rashford somewhere where he’s a threat?”
Another wrote: “When Man U take a corner why is Rashford standing off the pitch next to the taker? Every forward should be in the box. Bizarre.”
A third added: “Does anyone know why Rashford isn’t in the box for the corner?! What sense does this make??”
A fourth typed: “Marcus Rashford is probably the tallest player in our squad but brother is always outside the penalty box when Manchester United have a corner kick.”
However, fans were delighted with Rashford’s bright start against Wigan, forcing a smart stop from Sam Tickle before later laying the ball back for Dalot to curl into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
If United see off Wigan, they will face a trip to either Notts County or non-league Eastleigh in the fourth round while Tottenham take on Manchester City in the standout tie.
GettyRashford set up Diogo Dalot for United’s opening goal[/caption]