Jamie Carragher says Manchester United star should win POTY instead of Erling Haaland

Jamie Carragher has backed Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford to be crowned Premier League Player of the Year 2022-23 over Erling Haaland.

Haaland, who moved to the Etihad this summer from Borussia Dortmund, has registered 26 goals and four assists across 23 games.

But Liverpool legend Carragher has instead backed England international Rashford, who has looked a new player under Erik ten Hag this term.

The 25-year-old had spent a long spell struggling at Old Trafford before the arrival of Ten Hag ahead of the current campaign.

Carragher outlined that Rashford take more notice of who is in the better form closer to when they are given their balots, as Rashford has failed to score in just one league game since returning from the World Cup.

While Haaland’s goal tally is considerably higher, the ex-Reds defender feels that the early season strikes that put the Norwegian at the summit of the top scorers’ list will not hold as much weight in the argument.

Carragher also feels that Rashford being a more “complete” striker than Haaland will influence voters, while they will resonate with his resurgence having had his place at United questioned last season amid a disappointing campaign. “Step aside Erling Haaland. Marcus Rashford is currently producing performances of a complete Premier League striker,” Carragher wrote for The Telegraph.

“If votes were being cast this week, the Manchester United attacker would surely command most support from his peers. Haaland hit the ground running after joining Manchester City and remains on course for the Golden Boot.

“Rashford’s form under Erik ten Hag is taking his game to that next level. His all-round displays this season are superior to Haaland’s because United are set-up to get the most from him.

“I am not for one second suggesting Rashford is a superior striker and footballer to Haaland. But the PFA Player of the Year vote is all about timing. Having been in a dressing room when the forms arrived to fill in, I can assure you no-one is thinking about who was the best player in September and October.”