Marcus Rashford….inho?
In one of the more positive outings by Manchester United this season, an impressive attacking display somehow failed to produce more than three goals on Sunday – as Brighton’s defence struggled to contain the potency of Anthony Martial, Daniel James and the young English striker.
Needing victory to banish memories of an uninspiring defeat to Bournemouth last time out, an all-round positive display from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men acted as the perfect tonic heading into another international break.
Having come under criticism this season for some below-par outings, Rashford stole the show at Old Trafford with some positive, exciting play that had fans remembering exactly why the United number ten is among the finest talents in the country.
In recent weeks he has began to forge a partnership with Martial that demonstrates fine link-up play, off-the-ball running and individual skill that is painting a far brighter picture in the north-west to the one that has been underwhelming at best so far this campaign.
One of the main reasons for the slight upturn in form recently has been the 22-year-old, who has made Old Trafford his home with some interesting facts being coughed up by Opta in the wake of Sunday’s clash.
6 – Marcus Rashford has scored six goals at Old Trafford across all competitions in 2019-20 – only Sergio Agüero (9 at the Etihad) and Mohamed Salah (7 at Anfield) have netted more home goals among Premier League players. Super. #MNUBRI pic.twitter.com/UmqiKyjKtA
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 10, 2019
The forward scored his 30th goal for the Red Devils at Old Trafford, with six of those having come in the 2019/20 season. Only in the 2017/18 campaign has he netted more home goals in a single season for the club (nine), a number which is he most likely to smash this time around.
Fans on Twitter were loving what they saw, in particular the partnership he and Martial are beginning to forge.
Martial x Rashford is the partnership we been deserving all along. I’m in tears
— Dead (@exutdfan) November 10, 2019
We’ve got Martial and Rashford thriving off their own service and you think it’s bouncer in Italy that we miss?
— scott free’s wife (@HausofDupre) November 10, 2019
Martial and Rashford love each other. I love it
— Dotun (@dotun_ade) November 10, 2019
Two scrappy goals set United on their way in the first half, but with Brighton pushing further up in the second half in search of a route back into the match, United, and Rashford in particular, looked lethal on the break.
Martial, James and Rashford are really fast and dangerous on the counter. Just need Pogba back in that number 10 role. Sheffield game would be different gravy as they are defensively organised
— Nick the Red (@UnitedFever) November 10, 2019
Rashford so dangerous coming off the left, but man his finishing is costing him.
— Dyl (@UtdDyl) November 10, 2019
As the Seagulls grabbed the goal they needed, it looked as if it was going to be another similar story for Solskjaer’s men.
That, however, was until United broke again and Rashford did the business. Rather convincingly, it must be said.
Rashford loves the fancy goals, crossbar and in 朗
— #SolskjaerOut (@cxrnelius1) November 10, 2019
3-1 United. Perfect response. Rashford in off the crossbar. Big Utd huddle in front of the East Stand. Big goal.
— Harry Robinson (@HarryRobinson64) November 10, 2019
Then the other side to Rashford’s game creeped in.
Seemingly only able to score great goals, he was presented with the perfect opportunity to put the game to bed.
James found him with a perfectly weighted goal, it was just to be tapped in.
If only it was that simple.
How could Rashford miss from there??
— Yasphal (@pal_united28) November 10, 2019
Rashford is the only player who makes difficult stuff look easy and easy stuff difficult路♂️
— Nabit. (@Nabit23) November 10, 2019
Bloody hell Man Utd (Marcus Rashford, mainly) have missed a shedload of chances today.
— Scott Saunders (@_scottsaunders) November 10, 2019
Only Marcus Rashford could score a 35 yard knuckle ball one week and miss a wide open tap in the next week
— JTG Productions (@JTGProductionYT) November 10, 2019
He, and United, missed a few, to be fair.
I’m pretty disappointed with the game especially in second half. Bucket full of chances were missed by United. It could have been easily 6 Goals today but 3 chaces have been lost due to simple tactics. #MUNBHA
— Srikanth (@IAmBoosa) November 10, 2019
United are poor against an even worse Brighton. Rashford might’ve scored but he can’t be missing the chances he’s missed.#MUNBHA
— Tshepo Sibeko (@tqsibeko) November 10, 2019
That’s all well and good.
But did you see the flip flap?
DID YOU SEE THE SKILL?
You probably have, but sod it, it’s worth seeing 176 times more. Rashford went full Ronaldinho and RINSED Davy Propper. It was the stuff of FIFA Street dreams.
Rashford ended that Brighton players career anyway with that skill was filthy
— Ak (@AkAndymac) November 10, 2019
Saucy and Naughty from Rashford that
— dont get ruud (@MUFCIbrah9) November 10, 2019
i cld feel the humiliation jst by looking at rashford’s elastico. absolute filth.
— teoh zj (@teoheoteoheot) November 10, 2019
Rashford’s skills today were so appealing to the eyes.
— Sujal (@sujal10official) November 10, 2019
All in all it was a job well done for Rashford and co. You just feel, it could (and should) have been so many more on a day where missed chances were aplenty.
Nevertheless, the feeling after the match was one of mixed emotions. Rashford showcasing his fine raw ability, but equally, frustrating with some poor misses.
If Marcus Rashford fixes up his composure he’ll be one hell of a player. Should of had two back to back hat tricks in 2 games
— Tяυsτ №¹-Yahya™ (@RealistYahz) November 10, 2019
Mixed emotions, indeed.
Let’