Manchester United gave fans a late Christmas present as they ran out 3-2 victors against Aston Villa.
First-half goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker put Unai Emery’s side firmly in the ascendency, but an Alejandro Garnacho double and a Rasmus Hojlund winner pulled off a Christmas comeback for the Red Devils.
There were some seriously solid performances. Garnacho was dazzling, Jonny Evans was a rock at the back and Kobbie Mainoo, once again, oozed class.
However, one Manchester United man who has come under major scrutiny this season also deserves credit against Aston Villa. Credit that was given by his captain, Bruno Fernandes.
Bruno Fernandes on Marcus Rashford
Fernandes believes Marcus Rashford deserves some of the plaudits against the Villans.
“Marcus [Rashford] was pretty dangerous today,” said Bruno when speaking to MUTV. “I think for the first two goals he was involved and even the one that was offside.
“He was involved in everything today, pressurising [the Villa team] too.
Rashford provided the assist for Garnacho to get the comeback rolling for Erik ten Hag‘s side and put in one of his best performances in a red shirt this season.
He looked a lot more competent on the left, which was made ever the more pleasing after Garnacho absolutely bossed it on the right.
Rashford can still do better…
Promising signs from last season’s top goalscorer. But Manchester United fans, and members of the first-team squad, all know he can do better.
“I think we could have got a few more balls in behind to him, because we know the pace he has and the movement he has,” added Fernandes.
“If we were better on the long pass, the one and one, we could have got even more out of him. I think he knows, I know he can do much better but I know he can do it.”
Rashford is now going to be in contention when Manchester United take on Nottingham Forest on the 30th of December. Let’s end 2023 with a win.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
