In much familiar fashion as he did last season, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford has risen from the depths of insignificance to become the man that is marching United forward in the final stages of the season.
Criticised throughout much of the season by his own fans, the striker was seemingly unable to replicate that dazzling form his showed during his breakthrough campaign last term, leading to questioning of his undoubted quality.
What was not taken into account, however, was that Rashford had gone from poster boy to water boy in the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and on the occasions he was utilised, it was often in his unfavored position out wide.
Since Zlatan’s season was cut short through injury, the 19-year-old has proven his critics wrong, stepping up to the plate to be United’s star performer of the final part of the season.
It started against Chelsea in April with the teenager opened the scoring with a trademark run and finish as United toppled the league leaders with a 2-0 home win.
Four days later he scored an injury time winner at Anderlecht to take United through to the Europa League semi-finals. In the semi-final first leg, his goal proved to be the decisive one against a strong Celta Vigo side to ensure Jose Mourinho’s side were present in Stockholm at the end of the month.
Jose Mourinho’s famed lack of appreciation for youth may prevent young Rashford from being the man to lead the line for United in the coming years, though, especially if Ibrahimovic comes back to fitness sooner that expected.
What do you think? Has the England starlet got what it takes to be the main man for United? Have your say in the poll below…
