Rashford shows he can fill Ronaldo’s shoes as Manchester United talisman

Fresh from scoring three times for England at the World Cup, Rashford put in a tireless display on the right of United’s attack and sealed its passage into the League Cup quarterfinals with one of his finest goals on Wednesday.

 Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring their second goal with Casemiro. | Photo Credit: Action Images via Reuters/Phil Noble 

In Manchester United’s first competitive match since its acrimonious split with Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford delivered a thrilling performance and sensational goal against Burnley to show he can be its top striker for years to come.

Fresh from scoring three times for England at the World Cup, Rashford put in a tireless display on the right of United’s attack and sealed its passage into the League Cup quarterfinals with one of his finest goals on Wednesday.

Picking the ball up deep in United’s half, Rashford burst down the right wing and took on two defenders before firing into the far bottom corner in another demonstration that the 25-year-old is back to his best after a miserable previous campaign.

🌪 Simply sensational.@MarcusRashford, take a bow 👏#MUFC || #CarabaoCup

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 22, 2022

The striker’s confidence appeared to be badly knocked after he missed a penalty in England’s shootout defeat by Italy in last year’s European Championship final and Ronaldo’s surprise return to United also had an impact on Rashford’s form.

He started only 18 of United’s 49 matches in all competitions while scoring only five goals as it ended the season without a trophy and its lowest points total since the Premier League began in 1992. He was also dropped by England.

But as Ronaldo became marginalised this term under new boss Erik ten Hag, leading to his contract being terminated last month, Rashford rediscovered his former influence, starting 16 of 22 matches in all competitions and scoring nine goals.

He was recalled by England manager Gareth Southgate for the World Cup and scored against Iran and twice versus Wales, although was only a late substitute in the quarterfinal defeat by France.

Rashford said 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, meanwhile, praised Rashford for his performance.

“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,” said 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.”