Rangnick sends Rashford promise amid Man Utd struggles ahead of derby

Ralf Rangnick has told Marcus Rashford that he will put 'all his energy' into helping the Manchester United star get out of his slump.

The 23-year-old has provided just two goals in his last 20 games and comes into his favourite fixture, the Manchester Derby, having been dropped to the bench for last Saturday's dismal 1-1 draw with Watford.

But Rangnick has sent the striker, who missed the first two months the season to recover from shoulder surgery, a promise ahead of their crucial trip to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday to face bitter rivals Manchester City.

"With Marcus Rashford, we have another player [who I have] continuously been behind and [will work] with, to develop him," the temporary Red Devils boss, in charge until the end of the campaign, affirmed.

Join the debate! Who will win the Manchester Derby - City or United? Let us know your prediction below.

"We have seen that with other players in the past and I don't see why this shouldn't happen with Marcus. He's got abundant talent, he's got the pace, the physicality. He's got everything you need for a modern striker, not only if he is playing from the wing or in the centre.

"I will put all my energy in that to help him to take the same pathway that other players did in the last three months."

Rashford has only scored more goals than against the Citizens when facing three other teams, frequently naming the away day across the east side of the city as his favourite, having scored in his first trip as a teenager in 2016.

And the England international will be hoping to rediscover that fairytale form, with United consistently struggling to put away opportunities in recent weeks - something Rangnick also touched on during his first in-person pre-match press conference since the beginning of the global pandemic.

"We created a lot of chances in our last 10, 11 games and we need to finish them," the acclaimed German coach added.

"We did it against Leeds but, against Watford, we should have had one, two, three goals. I would be more worried if we didn't create chances but the way we have been playing and creating chances is good.

"Also, without the ball, we were compact and didn't allow them many chances. That is what we need for Manchester City."

And Rangnick could be buoyed by the return of fellow striker Edinson Cavani, who has missed the Red Devils' last five matches.

"He is back in training since yesterday, today was his second training session with the team," the 63-year-old confirmed.

"He looks good to be involved on Sunday, but there are still some question marks over other players. It looks good for Edinson for Sunday."

Whether it will look good for United come 6:30pm on Sunday remains to be seen.