Marcus Rashford has been warned that he faces a fight to retain his status as a regular starter for Manchester United if he struggles to escape last season’s rut. And the Red Devils have been backed to launch a shock late swoop for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, whose future is in limbo ahead of the summer transfer deadline.

Rashford followed up a career-best 30-goal season by managing to score just eight times in 43 appearances last term.

He has begun the new campaign by starting but failing to score in either of United’s first two matches, while Amad and Alejandro Garnacho have impressed.

Chris Sutton is certain that Rashford can spearhead United’s attacking numbers if he rediscovers his best form on the left side of Erik ten Hag’s front line.

However, he admits that the 26-year-old could be under threat from the Dutchman’s young wingers if his failure to deliver in front of goal continues.

“It depends on Marcus Rashford,” Sutton told Express Sport on behalf of Instant Withdrawal Casino.

“If it’s the Marcus Rashford of last season, who seemed a bit down, seemed to feel a bit sorry for himself, then he’s going to have a fight on.

“But what do we know about Marcus Rashford? We know a motivated Marcus Rashford, who has a clear mind, is a devastating football player.

“And you can compare Marcus Rashford to any other top players on his day; he’s up there and as good as anyone, really.

“It just depends which Marcus Rashford is going to turn up, and that will be the frustration for Erik ten Hag last season.

“It’s the same this season, that if he’s really motivated, Marcus Rashford, then Manchester United will have a good or better season in terms of goal numbers.

“I think last season there were issues in the goalscoring and creativity department. A large part of that was because he didn’t turn up, but if he does turn up this season…

“There do seem to be a few more options for Erik ten Hag in wide areas, he does have a selection headache, and Rashford can still be a massive asset for Manchester United.”

The Old Trafford giants have been backed to return to the market for further attacking reinforcements if Jadon Sancho completes a transfer away from 11pm on August 30.

And with Brentford boss Thomas Frank confirming that Toney is expected to leave this month, Sutton has nudged United to make a move for the 28-year-old.

“For the quality, I don’t see any downside to him signing for Manchester United. I think he’s proven over a number of seasons now that he is more than a handful, he’s a well-rounded player,” Sutton explained.

“The injury to Hojlund is a bit of a blow to Manchester United and I do think that Toney would be a really good asset and give them an option and more safety in numbers.

“But, yeah, he was linked heavily with Arsenal, Ivan Toney, and that didn’t get over the line for whatever reason but I think he would be an asset for Manchester United.

“I don’t see anyone thinking he wouldn’t be because he’s a really talented player.”