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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 their passage into the League Cup
quarter-finals 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.
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 they ended the season without a
trophy and their 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 quarter-final 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."
(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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