Although still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a hope that the Premier League may recommence some time next month.
From a Manchester United point of view, this is good news as there is still plenty to play for as they look to solidify a place inside the top five and secure Champions League football back at Old Trafford next season.
As things stand, United sit fifth in the table, three points off Chelsea in fourth and two points clear of Wolves in sixth. This means that European qualification will likely go down to the wire.
Luckily, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects to have a fully-fit squad to choose from when any restart does commence meaning that one of the club's long-term absentees Marcus Rashford will again be available for selection after overcoming a long-term back injury.
Rashford had been United’s talisman prior to his injury and netted a standout 14 league goals in a little over 2,000 league minutes. Even though the total was marginally boosted by penalty kicks, it’s still a very impressive return for the 22-year-old.
His impressive goal return has been largely down to his lethal accuracy in front of goal this season. In fact, across the course of the campaign, the England international has been one of the most accurate shot-takers in the Premier League, as highlighted in the table below.
Rashford ranks fifth in the Premier League for shot accuracy this season with 48.57 per cent of his efforts either hitting the back of the net or at very least testing the keeper. However as we can see, there is one other United forward that actually betters that average.
It’s been a just as impressive season for Anthony Martial this year who has been an integral forward for Solskajer’s side and has netted an impressing 11 league goals so far, and his shot accuracy average of 50.88 per cent actually ranks at the fourth-best in the whole division.
The above therefore means that United possess two forwards currently ranking amongst the top five in terms of accuracy of shots on goal and they're also the only team to have two players inside the top ten.
Therefore providing the team keep creating chances for the duo, which should not be an issue with both Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes around, then their precise sharpshooting could be crucial in firing United back into the Champions League next season.
