In Manchester United‘s first aggressive match since their acrimonious break up with Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford delivered an exciting efficiency and sensational purpose towards Burnley to indicate he will be their prime striker for years to come back.
Fresh from scoring thrice for England on the World Cup, Rashford put in a tireless show on the best of United’s assault and sealed their passage into the League Cup quarter-finals with one in all his most interesting targets on Wednesday.
Picking the ball up deep in United’s half, Rashford burst down the best wing and took on two defenders earlier than firing into the far backside nook in one other demonstration that the 25-year-old is again to his greatest after a depressing earlier marketing campaign.
The striker’s confidence seemed to be badly knocked after he missed a penalty in England’s shootout defeat by Italy in final 12 months’s European Championship remaining and Ronaldo’s shock return to United additionally had an influence on Rashford’s type.
He began solely 18 of United’s 49 matches in all competitions whereas scoring solely 5 targets as they ended the season with no trophy and their lowest factors complete because the Premier League started in 1992. He was additionally dropped by England.
But as Ronaldo grew to become marginalised this time period below new boss Erik ten Hag, resulting in his contract being terminated final month, Rashford rediscovered his former affect, beginning 16 of twenty-two matches in all competitions and scoring 9 targets.
He was recalled by England supervisor Gareth Southgate for the World Cup and scored towards Iran and twice versus Wales, though was solely a late substitute within the quarter-final defeat by France.
Rashford stated he had already put England’s exit behind him, saying after the win over Burnley: “There is no time to feel sorry for yourself. You need to pick up results and thankfully we did that.”
Ten Hag, in the meantime, praised Rashford for his efficiency.
“I think he invested a lot with runs behind the defending line and he scored a great goal on the dribble; a great finish. I think he is in great form and I hope he can keep his focus,” stated the Dutchman.
“His performances are improving a lot from game to game, he’s a continued threat and does a lot of defending work. I hope and expect him to keep going with his performance level.”
