Marcus Rashford has been putting in some much-needed graft behind the scenes at Man Utd… maybe this can be turning point
MARCUS RASHFORD trained alone during the international break to focus on his finishing technique.
Anyone who has seen Rashford over the last year, particularly Manchester United’s increasingly-frustrated fans, would agree that an extra stint of shooting practice could not come quick enough for a forward who has completely lost his way.
On a decent day for Erik ten Hag down here on the south coast, it felt as though the extra sessions had clearly paid off for United’s beleaguered no 10.
And for the first time in his career, Rashford found himself being compared to a bottle of ketchup with ten Hag hoping that the goals will now start to flow.
Rashford made it 2-0 just before half-time for his first strike since the 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool in March. It settled the nerves and put Ten Hag’s team in complete command in a straightforward 3-0 win over Southampton.
At times this season, particularly against Brighton last month, Rashford’s all-round play but also his body language has been poor. Yet this was much better and had it not been for Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale, he could have scored a couple more.
Rashford’s problem is that he is a confidence player. When he is good, he is very good and when he is bad, he really is bloody awful. You would like to think with experience, he would be able to remain more consistent.
United midfielder Casemiro was axed following his Liverpool shocker and Rashford was lucky to keep his place as he was not much better in the 3-0 loss at Old Trafford 13 days earlier.
Even the home supporters lost patience with him and let their feelings known to ten Hag when Alejandro Garnacho was taken off against Liverpool instead of Rashford.
Maybe that was the tap on the shoulder that Rashford needed for him to realise it was time to do something about his wretched form.
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Maybe he had also listened to the stinging criticism sent his way from former United players Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Teddy Sheringham.
Or maybe Rashford had remembered that he only scored seven times last season and appeared to be on course for a similar total this season unless there was a drastic change.
Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scores
MARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.
The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.
But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.
Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…
Andre Onana – 7
Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.
But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.
Noussair Mazraouri – 7
Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.
Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.
Matthijs De Ligt – 8
Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.
He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.
Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.
Christian Eriksen – 7
A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.
The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.
Amad Diallo – 7
Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.
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Garnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7
Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.
He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.
Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6
Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6
Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6
The reason Rashford is so infuriating is that a player of his talent should be scoring 20 goals a season, regardless of the quality of the players around him.
While Rashford was training on his own (while posting a video of it on Instagram, naturally) England played two games against Ireland and Finland.
When interim manager Lee Carsley named his squad, at no stage was he asked about Rashford’s omission because it was all so glaringly obvious that he would not be involved.
This is a sad state of affairs when you consider here is a player who has played 60 times for England but has featured just once in 10 months, against Brazil in March, and was left out of the Euro 2024 squad due to his dismal season.
Maybe Rashford, 26, can force his way back into the England squad but first, he needs to have a decent run of form for United and at least this was a start.
United were helped by some poor Southampton defending throughout their 3-0 win and Rashford was lucky that Cameron Archer failed to close him down for his 41st minute goal.
But on receiving the ball from Amad Diallo, it was still a decent, instinctive strike by Rashford from outside the area and it squeezed past Aaron Ramsdale in the bottom right corner.
In the second half, Rashford’s goal-bound shot was deflected by Jan Bednarek while a dipping 25-yard shot was met with a flying save by Ramsdale.
Rashford was replaced by Garnacho with 17 minutes remaining and while ten Hag will make changes for Tuesday’s home Carabao Cup tie with Barnsley, Rashford will probably fancy playing as he could fill his boots goals-wise.
Perhaps, Rashford will look back on this game as a turning point and will be thankful for putting in a bit more graft.