Rashford does not want to be a number 9?

[VP89]

It's something I mentioned during last season as many posters wanted him down the middle, but I couldn't source the Sky interview.

He said it again in the presser today and didn't bother to hide his preferences on position. They pitched him for the 9 and he said something along the lines of "fans can expect what they like but I know what I've been working on since I was 6 or 7 and that's coming from both wings and not just playing as a number 9".

If that's the case, who really goes up top if Lukaku goes? We can't punt it on Martial alone. Does this mean we are certain for 2 up top? Would be weird to not have a focal point or at least a false 9 as a central figure.

 

[willhse456]

Wouldn't take it so literally, think he just means that he's versatile and can play in a few different positions if asked to do so.

 

[Nick7]

"not just"

 

[roonster09]

It's something I mentioned during last season as many posters wanted him down the middle, but I couldn't source the Sky interview.

He said it again in the presser today and didn't bother to hide his preferences on position. They pitched him for the 9 and he said something along the lines of "fans can expect what they like but I know what I've been working on since I was 6 or 7 and that's coming from both wings and not just playing as a number 9".

If that's the case, who really goes up top if Lukaku goes? We can't punt it on Martial alone. Does this mean we are certain for 2 up top? Would be weird to not have a focal point or at least a false 9 as a central figure.

He didn't say he never wanted to be 9, he said he didn't want to be 9 alone, he wanted to play every position.

“They play as number nines for 38 games in a season, I've not done that once so it's two completely different situations and I've always said from the beginning it was never my goal to be a number nine that can't play anywhere else. It was to try to be as free-flowing as possible."

“I know what I've worked on since I was six or seven years old and it was never to be a number nine. It was to be able to play as a number nine but also be able to adapt to playing in other systems and other formations.

“And for me that's what Man United is, we've always had players who can change, and chop and change between each other.”

 

[VP89]

Wouldn't take it so literally, think he just means that he's versatile and can play in a few different positions if asked to do so.

Watch the presser. He gets asked about being up top and then distances from the 9 role. Then if I recall correctly they mention how fans want to see him down the middle? And again he says he likes to come in from the wings.

He definately said the same in a pre match interview last season too. The guy likes to be on the wing.

 

[charlenefan]

I've always thought his best position was coming from the left rather than through the middle and unlike Martial out there he'll make the runs in behind. In theory Rashford on the left, Lukaku through the middle and someone on the right should work but it all falls apart when Lukaku is knackered after one sprint

 

[VP89]

He didn't say he never wanted to be 9, he said he didn't want to be 9 alone, he wanted to play every position.

He said "I know what I've wanted since I've 6 years.. And it was never to be a number 9".

Sure he wants to adapt to that role when required but the point of this thread is that he doesn't want to be that central focal point up top. He wants to drift and come in from wide positions.

 

[roonster09]

Watch the presser. He gets asked about being up top and then distances from the 9 role. Then if I recall correctly they mention how fans want to see him down the middle? And again he says he likes to come in from the wings.

He definately said the same in a pre match interview last season too. The guy likes to be on the wing.

No. He said he didn't want to be player who can play as only 9, it's very much clear.

 

[Nick7]

He said "I know what I've wanted since I've 6 years.. And it was never to be a number 9".

Sure he wants to adapt to that role when required but the point of this thread is that he doesn't want to be that central focal point up top. He wants to drift and come in from wide positions.

 

[roonster09]

He said "I know what I've wanted since I've 6 years.. And it was never to be a number 9".

Sure he wants to adapt to that role when required but the point of this thread is that he doesn't want to be that central focal point up top. He wants to drift and come in from wide positions.

And you cut the rest of the part ". It was to be able to play as a number nine but also be able to adapt to playing in other systems and other formations."

 

[VP89]

No. He said he didn't want to be player who can play as only 9, it's very much clear.

And you cut the rest of the part ". It was to be able to play as a number nine but also be able to adapt to playing in other systems and other formations."

Jesus christ have any of you actually watched the presser?

Forward to 7 mins



He literally says the words: " playing on the left. Playing on the right. That's what I believe in"

Obviously he's going to say he can play 9. Every player will mention they are happy to fit other roles to help the team.

But he's made his preference as clear as day from 7mins on. No one argue against the idea that he doesn't want to be our number 9 when he comes out and says "I believe in playing on the right or left".

 

[roonster09]

Jesus christ have any of you actually watched the presser?

Forward to 7 mins



He literally says the words: " playing on the left. Playing on the right. That's what I believe in"

Instead of breaking down quotes, read the full quotes and watch the complete interview.

This is what he said form 7th min and yes, I watched his PC twice.

They play as number nines for 38 games in a season, I've not done that once so it's two completely different situations and I've always said from the beginning it was never my goal to be a number nine that can't play anywhere else. It was to try to be as free-flowing as possible."

“I know what I've worked on since I was six or seven years old and it was never to be a number nine. It was to be able to play as a number nine but also be able to adapt to playing in other systems and other formations.

“And for me that's what Man United is, we've always had players who can change, and chop and change between each other.”

You broke the second line to "I never wanted to be number nine" when he clearly said he wants to play as 9 and other position. He doesn't want to play like Kane or Aguero who are pure #9s but he wants to flexible player who can play multiple positions. He even said that's what ManUtd is all about, changing position in the game.

 

[Eric's Seagull]

It's something I mentioned during last season as many posters wanted him down the middle, but I couldn't source the Sky interview.

He said it again in the presser today and didn't bother to hide his preferences on position. They pitched him for the 9 and he said something along the lines of "fans can expect what they like but I know what I've been working on since I was 6 or 7 and that's coming from both wings and not just playing as a number 9".

If that's the case, who really goes up top if Lukaku goes? We can't punt it on Martial alone. Does this mean we are certain for 2 up top? Would be weird to not have a focal point or at least a false 9 as a central figure.

If Lukaku goes preferably bring in someone Ben Yedder to go up top.

 

[AkaAkuma]

He basically says he wants to be seen as a versatile forward

 

[VP89]

Instead of breaking down quotes, read the full quotes and watch the complete interview.

This is what he said form 7th min and yes, I watched his PC twice.



You broke the second line to "I never wanted to be number nine" when he clearly said he wants to play as 9 and other position. He doesn't want to play like Kane or Aguero who are pure #9s but he wants to flexible player who can play multiple positions. He even said that's what ManUtd is all about, changing position in the game.

The damming quotes are the ones that say "I believe in playing on the left and right". That is not a number 9 position. Are you trying to counter that Rashford does want to be a number 9? Because that's beyond debate at this stage. His presser is there for everyone to watch.

 

[SteveW]

How people manage to turn that answer into a negative

It was a great answer. I shows he is willing to play anywhere Ole wants him to play and shuts up all those people suggesting he was insisting on playing as a 9 as part of contract negotiations etc.

He did NOT say he doesn't want to play as a number 9. I'm stunned that someone could watch the interview and come to that understanding.

We have the makings of a flexible and exciting front 3 for the next several years if Rash, Martial and Greenwood mature properly. All can play wide or through the middle. I think it will end up being the following but with plenty of rotation and flexibility during games.

LF: Martial
CF: Rashford
RF: Greenwood

 

[roonster09]

The damming quotes are the ones that say "I believe in playing on the left and right". That is not a number 9 position. Are you trying to counter that Rashford does want to be a number 9? Because that's beyond debate at this stage. His presser is there for everyone to watch.

Again you are breaking up his quotes. He said that along with playing as #9. He don't want to be the player who can play as 9, he wants to be versatile player who can play as CF, winger and change position in the game, adapt to different tactics, try to be as free flowing as possible and be flexible. He couldn't have made it clearer.

 

[JPRouve]

I mean he clearly says that he doesn't want to be a number 9 that can't play anywhere else. He never says that he doesn't want to be a number 9 and it's in the context of a free flowing attack which he also clearly states.

 

[DoomSlayer]

I thought that was what most fans wanted anyway? A modern interchangeable front 3 - it would bode well for the likes of Martial, Rashford and Greenwood who can create just that in time.

 

[el3mel]

On the flanks or a number 9, doesn't matter much because he's inconsistent and showed flaws in both positions.

 

[roonster09]

I mean he clearly says that he doesn't want to a number 9 that can't play anywhere else. He never says that he doesn't want to be a number 9 and it's in the context of a free flowing attack which he also clearly states.

Exactly. He made it very clear that he didn't want to be 9 alone but a player who can play as 9 and on wings, to change positions during the games, free flowing football and so many other things.

 

[VP89]

Again you are breaking up his quotes. He said that along with playing as #9. He don't want to be the player who can play as 9, he wants to be versatile player who can play as CF, winger and change position in the game, adapt to different tactics, try to be as free flowing as possible and be flexible. He couldn't have made it clearer.

I mean he clearly says that he doesn't want to a number 9 that can't play anywhere else. He never says that he doesn't want to be a number 9 and it's in the context of a free flowing attack which he also clearly states.

In agreement about free flowing attack and being able to cut into a CF position and so on. But he made it clear he likes to come in from the wings. Which means his preference in a starting formation is to be out wide and transition centrally on free flowing attacks.

This is my point, he does not want to be the focal point centrally from kick off. I think we all get what he means, but my point is that he doesn't want to be that central figure up top. And if he doesn't want to be that guy, who should be?

 

[Cassidy]

It's something I mentioned during last season as many posters wanted him down the middle, but I couldn't source the Sky interview.

He said it again in the presser today and didn't bother to hide his preferences on position. They pitched him for the 9 and he said something along the lines of "fans can expect what they like but I know what I've been working on since I was 6 or 7 and that's coming from both wings and not just playing as a number 9".

If that's the case, who really goes up top if Lukaku goes? We can't punt it on Martial alone. Does this mean we are certain for 2 up top? Would be weird to not have a focal point or at least a false 9 as a central figure.

Given that Martial has always wanted to be a 9 and we play him wide, and it seems Rashford wants to operate more out wide but we prioritised him as a 9 seems a bit odd.

Maybe a 2 striker system is best where they can both drift out wide etc

 

[Bestietom]

Rashford will not get you 25/30 goals a season, we need a prolific CF if Lukaku moves on.

 

[JPRouve]

In agreement about free flowing attack and being able to cut into a CF position and so on. But he made it clear he likes to come in from the wings. Which means his preference in a starting formation is to be out wide and transition centrally on free flowing attacks.

This is my point, he does not want to be the focal point centrally from kick off. I think we all get what he means, but my point is that he doesn't want to be that central figure up top. And if he doesn't want to be that guy, who should be?

No, he says that he doesn't to be a limited number 9, which is perfect because football isn't played like that anymore and we don't want players that are stuck in 5 square meters areas.

 

[roonster09]

In agreement about free flowing attack and being able to cut into a CF position and so on. But he made it clear he likes to come in from the wings. Which means his preference in a starting formation is to be out wide and transition centrally on free flowing attacks.

This is my point, he does not want to be the focal point centrally from kick off. I think we all get what he means, but my point is that he doesn't want to be that central figure up top. And if he doesn't want to be that guy, who should be?

No. He didn't say he doesn't want to be focal point. He said he doesn't want to be the player who can play only as 9.

 

[DoomSlayer]

Come on guys, what kind of an argument even is this? What Rashford said is very positive, however way you want to interpret it. We have the players to play a modern style of attacking football, it's encouraging that they are embracing that idea.

 

[Andycoleno9]

So he can and wants to play on the right. Why we don't play him there then instead of Mata and Lingard?

 

[VP89]

No, he says that he doesn't to be a limited number 9, which is perfect because football isn't played like that anymore and we don't want players that are stuck in 5 square meters areas.

No. He didn't say he doesn't want to be focal point. He said he doesn't want to be the player who can play only as 9.

He said he likes to play on the left or the right. He didn't say he likes to play centrally until he was pushed by the reporter on the 9 position and how everyone wants to see him there.

Do you not think he prefers the wings, when he says picks out left and right and doesn't mention central positions until the reporter pushes him to talk about that role?

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Do Liverpool have a number 9 as a focal point for all their attacks?

If not, then why do we need one?

 

[SteveW]

OP doesn't seem to understand simple sentences. That's all I take from this thread.

 

[roonster09]

He said he likes to play on the left or the right. He didn't say he likes to play centrally until he was pushed by the reporter on the 9 position and how everyone wants to see him there.

Do you not think he prefers the wings, when he says picks out left and right and doesn't mention central positions until the reporter pushes him to talk about that role?

No. He prefers to be the player who can play multiple positions, who can swap positions in the game and play free flowing football.

For 3rd time I'm posting the quotes with few bold parts which clearly shows what he wants. Instead of breaking the quotes, read it completely.

“They play as number nines for 38 games in a season, I've not done that once so it's two completely different situations and I've always said from the beginning it was never my goal to be a number nine that can't play anywhere else. It was to try to be as free-flowing as possible."

“I know what I've worked on since I was six or seven years old and it was never to be a number nine. It was to be able to play as a number nine but also be able to adapt to playing in other systems and other formations.

“And for me that's what Man United is, we've always had players who can change, and chop and change between each other.”

 

[VP89]

Do Liverpool have a number 9 as a focal point for all their attacks?

If not, then why do we need one?

They seem to have Firminho at least as a false 9. My question is who would play in that sort of a role in our front 3.

 

[VP89]

No. He prefers to be the player who can play multiple positions, who can swap positions in the game and play free flowing football.

For 3rd time I'm posting the quotes with few bold parts which clearly shows what he wants. Instead of breaking the quotes, read it completely.

For the 4th time you have conveniently decided to exclude the quotes where he says he likes to play on the right or left.

 

[SteveW]

Do Liverpool have a number 9 as a focal point for all their attacks?

If not, then why do we need one?

Agreed, it's outdated thinking. We have the makings of a front 3 who are all confident playing anywhere across the front. That's the ideal scenario imo.

 

[roonster09]

For the 4th time you have conveniently decided to exclude the quotes where he says he likes to play on the right or left.

That's what he wants to do along with playing as a 9. In short, 9 who can swap positions

His full quotes

I always said from the beginning that my goal was never to be a 9 that can play anywhere else. It was to try to be as free flowing as possible and that's how ManUtd brought me up, playing on the left, playing on the right that's what I want to do and that's what I believe in.

Asked about out and out CF.
“I know what I've worked on since I was six or seven years old and it was never to be a number nine. It was to be able to play as a number nine but also be able to adapt to playing in other systems and other formations.
“And for me that's what Man United is, we've always had players who can change, and chop and change between each other.”

Very obvious what he said.

 

[Nick7]

Jesus christ have any of you actually watched the presser?

Forward to 7 mins



He literally says the words: " playing on the left. Playing on the right. That's what I believe in"

Obviously he's going to say he can play 9. Every player will mention they are happy to fit other roles to help the team.

But he's made his preference as clear as day from 7mins on. No one argue against the idea that he doesn't want to be our number 9 when he comes out and says "I believe in playing on the right or left".

comprehension really isn't your strong suit.

 

[VP89]

comprehension really isn't your strong suit.

my comprehension is just fine. Its evident posters here like to look at things without context. When the player clearly says he wants to play from the right and left its evident he doesn't want to be a traditional 9. He wants to come in from wide areas.

You are beyond daft if you think that's not the case

 

[Nick7]

my comprehension is just fine. Its evident posters here like to look at things without context. When the player clearly says he wants to play from the right and left its evident he doesn't want to be a traditional 9. He wants to come in from wide areas.

You are beyond daft if you think that's not the case

You're the daft one here. You're cherry picking half a sentence to try make it an argument. You're literally failing at basic reading and listening comprehension.

 

[VP89]

You're the daft one here. You're cherry picking half a sentence to try make it an argument. You're literally failing at basic reading and listening comprehension.

I showed the whole press conference. Watch it. He says he doesn't want to be a traditional 9. Yes, he says he wants to be a 9 that can drift in other areas but he also goes out of his way to say he believes in playing from the right and from the left.

He actually only talks about being a 9 when the reporter asks him "what about the 9 position?". Prior to that he said he likes it on right and left.

I'm not cherry picking anything - I've posted the video for all to watch.

 

[Nick7]

I showed the whole press conference. Watch it. He says he doesn't want to be a traditional 9. Yes, he says he wants to be a 9 that can drift in other areas but he also goes out of his way to say he believes in playing from the right and from the left.

He actually only talks about being a 9 when the reporter asks him "what about the 9 position?". Prior to that he said he likes it on right and left.

I'm not cherry picking anything - I've posted the video for all to watch.

So you agree that your premise is incorrect?

I'm just doing what you're doing, cherry picking half a sentence.