As many disillusioned fans were expecting, Manchester United made a shaky start to the Premier League season. However, they look to have gathered some form and momentum over recent weeks.
So much so, in fact, that after having strung together four wins on the bounce – two coming in big games against long-standing rivals Liverpool and Arsenal, no less – they have won both September’s manager and player of the month awards.
Netting two goals and a pair of important assists to go with them, the 24-year-old looks to finally be breaking his duck and underlying confidence issues.
A big goal in the derby against Liverpool and in the 3-1 victory over high-flying Arsenal has no doubt helped lift his spirits.
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Man United fans will be hoping this is just the start of a Rashford renaissance.
Moreover, even beyond his direct goal contributions, Rashford’s all-around play looks to be returning to pre-slump levels, playing a key role in the transition and a more fluid forward line.
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It seems like the United no. 10 is benefitting from a new way of playing or, perhaps more accurately, a new manager who clearly sees him as a key player in his system.
It’s clear that Erik ten Hag‘s approach hasn’t just benefitted the likes of Rashford and, say, Sancho but the team looks more well-organised as a whole. Earlier this month, Bruno Fernandes gave fans a bit more of an insight into the Dutch coaches ‘strict rules’ and discipline.
The Manchester United midfielder has spoken out in an honest interview.👀https://t.co/TrceVFvjVE
Not only have they kept clean sheets in three out of the last six games across all competitions but there has been a noticeable improvement in both passing and possession stats since he arrived, whilst still being able to sacrifice some of the ball for a more counter-attacking set-up went the game calls for it.
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That being said, it is a long old season and many fans will still need some convincing that the squad is good enough to take them back to a competitive level.
Even the man himself isn’t getting too carried away just yet.
Nevertheless, both the panel of experts and those deciding via public vote seem to think his efforts over the last month are worthy of recognition, earning manager of the month alongside his once again firing forward.
This is the first time a United player and manager have scooped the monthly double since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s award in February 2019, who also won it alongside Rashford.
Accolades aside, ten Hag’s patience and pragmatism should serve the team well over the next few weeks, as United still have a challenging run-in.
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As well as the Manchester derby on Sunday, their next four games include a home fixture against a growing Newcastle side, Conte’s high-flying Spurs and a Chelsea squad with more than enough quality to end their bad run of results.
Manager and player of the month aside, it’s about getting points on the board and his weekend is massive for Man United’s 22/23 campaign.
Former Man United coach under Sir Alex Ferguson joins Stockport County in director role
Danny Jones
Former Manchester United coach René Meulensteen, who famously worked under Sir Alex Ferguson, has been appointed to a new role at Stockport County FC.
Joining the club in an unprecedented position – the terminology for which has definitely sparked some speculation – the Dutch coach arrives at Edgeley Park during a period of big changes across the board.
Not only serving under Sir Alex, but also having managed Fulham for a spell and helping steer Iraq to their first World Cup since 1986 this summer as assistant, he brings a varied pedigree to SK3.
Announcing the news on Monday evening, Meulensteen has already set about his introductions to the squad and the rest of the coaching staff this week.
Starting out as a Skills Development Coach in Man United‘s youth academy, helping develop reserve players on their way into the senior setup, he then went on to work at Danish side Brøndby, over in Russia, as part of the Australian national team, and, of course, a second stint at Old Trafford.
With this being a brand-new role not only for Stockport County but one boasting a unique title which presents plenty of questions, it will be interesting to see just how much of an imprint he can have on the first team.
Sporting Director Damien Allen said in a statement: “This appointment represents another important step in delivering our long-term vision, reinforcing our commitment to creating an elite football department, developing players and coaches capable of competing at the highest levels of the game.”
Writing on his own X account, the 62-year-old is clearly relishing the opportunity to carve out a path through this unique new role.
Moreover, the reaction to his name being now tied to the club has been one of excitement and optimism given his CV and well-documented career history.
Just shows the ambition at this club, you've worked with some of the worlds best & can't imagine the wealth of knowledge & experience you're bringing with you, its a pleasure to have you on board
Speaking on his arrival, new Hatters boss Jimmy McNulty – who is set to embark on his debut season as manager of the club after leaving Rochdale AFC this summer – added: “It is a genuine pleasure to be adding a coach of René Meulensteen’s calibre to our coaching team.
“Having operated at the very highest level, guided elite players, and gained invaluable experience across diverse footballing cultures in both domestic leagues and major international tournaments, he brings a tremendous breadth of wisdom and perspective to our coaching team.
“This brilliant addition adds another layer of strength to our coaching collective, and I am delighted René has decided to join our County team.”
What do you make of the appointment, County fans? We’ll admit, we particularly enjoyed the reaction by club legend Ben Hinchliffe fresh from his testimonial match…
🗣️ "I have no idea what that job title means!" 🤣
Ben Hinchliffe on Stockport County's new Director of Football Methodology Rene Meulensteen.
Featured Images — Stockport County (press shot)/The Manc Group
Sport
Marc Skinner leaves Manchester United Women after half a decade
Danny Jones
Manchester United Women’s team boss Marc Skinner has officially left the club after half a decade at the helm ahead of the upcoming WSL season.
Spending five fairly fluctuating years in charge of the women’s Red Devils side, to put it mildly, the 43-year-old departs after having led MUWFC to their only ‘major trophy’ in the modern era with their FA Cup win back in May 2024.
Multiple outlets have claimed that Skinner had been pushing for more backing when it came to recruitment, especially with so many teams levelling up and spending a significant amount in the Women’s Super League – and that’s just in this transfer window alone.
Conversely, a good chunk of the former Birmingham and Orlando Pride manager’s tenure involved saying goodbye to big and/or key players who have served the team well, including Alessia Russo, Katie Zelem, Hannah Blundell, Leah Galton, Millie Turner, Melvine Malard and Lucia Garcia.
Meanwhile, under INEOS, United have brought in very limited reinforcements of late – recently reiterating that they wanted to turn to the youth ranks instead, according to reports – and the divisive ownership have been heavily criticised for their treatment of the women’s squad and facilities.
As The Athletic journalist Carl Anka put it on X, it feels like “All change at the club”, adding that “you could feel Skinner was getting frustrated over the relative lack of investment in the team.
Joining the countless reactions online, one user said, “Thanks for the memories but it was time to move on”, while another even went so far as to add, “The best decision done ever.”
This was the moment Manchester United women’s team won their first ever major trophy under Marc skinner’s regime.Thank you Skinner❤️ pic.twitter.com/kiMRVd5Md0
Im not his biggest fan, but to give him some slack, the Club are paying players poorly, selling his best players and not replacing them. Can't compete in the transfer market either. He must be able to see that the only way is downhill.
Issuing a passionate response in the comments under the official United post confirming the parting of ways, another supporter wrote: “Fans may have seen so many things wrong with him. But he was an incredible guy, THANK YOU for everything, Marc.
“You gave me so many memories supporting this great club, gave me so much of your time. Made me feel like me again. I will support you always in your next steps.”
So he clearly has had some detractors of late, but there are still plenty of people who have remained behind even during difficult times; whether or not claims of him offering his resignation or counter arguments that he was ‘eventually going to be sacked’ come out in the wash, only time will tell.
Danny Jones -
30th September 2022 
