Manchester United started their climb up the Premier League table with a 2-1 win vs Brentford at Old Trafford to break a five-game winless run.
Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund’s goals completed a second-half comeback to relieve mounting pressure on Erik ten Hag and send Manchester United on their way.
There were many heroes to choose from as the second-half display, in particular, was the blueprint that the Man Utd fans have been yearning for for a long time.
Hojlund showed a new facet of his game, Matthijs de Ligt was a warrior, Casemiro was the unsung hero, and Ten Hag’s tactical change was the spark plug that ignited the comeback.
Then, of course, Garnacho’s virtuoso display won him the man of the match but amidst all the euphoria, a player who didn’t get on the scoresheet was one of the best players on the pitch.
Henry Winter on Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has had a hot and cold season so far but in recent games, the signs are visible that the explosive and confident version is coming back.
United need that version to get back among the top places of the league and the display against Brentford was complete minus the goal.
He did all the things well for which he has been previously criticised, with his work rate, in particular, a big reason why United’s fullbacks could flourish vs Brentford.
In addition, his passing, even outside of his assist for Garnacho was much improved as he fought back against suggestions that he is a predictable, one-trick pony.
Journalist Henry Winter waxed lyrical about the player after the game, praising him for his ‘stellar level’ and urging him to do it more consistently.
He said: “Marcus Rashford deserving of all the praise. Very good player, good crosser and that pace is difficult for opponents to handle. Great work ethic [vs Brentford], just needs this stellar level every week. Rashford cares about his team and his club and he showed that again today.”
Talent never an issue for Marcus Rashford
The problem with Rashford has never been of talent, as a player who scored 30 goals across all competitions just two seasons ago doesn’t become bad overnight.
However, consistency has been the biggest bane of his, plus his tendency to look down and out when things aren’t falling his way.
The latter already looks like it’s being addressed as even before this game, he emerged from the previous five-match winning run as one of the bright sparks.
He is no longer allowing the team malaise to affect him as well since he always keeps going and tries things to make something happen.
Consistency is the next issue to address and now that he is in a good run of form, keeping that up with a vital fixture list on the horizon is all important.
That is the difference between good and world-class players. Rashford simply has too much talent to keep skirting that line. He needs to jump over and firmly entrench himself in the world-class territory.
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