Rashford pays tribute to Ronaldo after Man Utd exit...CONTINUE READING
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Life without Cristiano Ronaldo has started well for Manchester United. And Marcus Rashford has sent a message to the 37-year-old that he’s ready to be the Red Devils’ talisman after shining in the club’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Burnley on Wednesday night.
The 25-year-old now has nine goals to his name for the Red Devils this term, nearly three times the amount his former team-mate managed prior to his sudden departure last month.
Manchester United were too strong for Burnley on Wednesday night, even if Erik ten Hag’s side weren’t at their absolute best.
Christian Eriksen opened the scoring in the 27th minute, with the Denmark international converting from close range after some good work from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
And Rashford then doubled United’s lead in the second half, with the England international producing a wonderful solo effort that gave Bailey Peacock-Farrell no chance in the Clarets goal.
Rashford is the talk of United right now, with the 25-year-old appearing to be reborn after his issues under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick last term.
And his performance has sent a message to Ronaldo that he’s ready to step up and be the main man in the wake of the Portugal international’s departure.
United had planned for the season with Ronaldo in their thoughts, with Ten Hag always making it clear he valued, and respected, the 37-year-old.
Man Utd transfers: Ten Hag is going to sign his own Haaland
So it was certainly a slap in the face when he gave a critical interview with Piers Morgan, where he ripped into many aspects of the club.
Ronaldo was, last season at least, United’s main man following his Hollywood homecoming from Juventus – scoring 24 goals across all competitions.
Without him, it’s possible they’d have finished even lower than sixth – suffering the humiliation of the UEFA Conference League, or no European football altogether, in the process.
But Ronaldo is now a figure of the club’s past, rather than their present or future.
United did reference his departure in their pre-match programme, putting out a blunt 81-word message that read: “Cristiano Ronaldo left the club by mutual agreement last month.
“The Portuguese superstar scored 145 goals across two spells and 436 appearances, and helped us win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Ronaldo was also crowned Ballon d’Or winner in 2008.
“In a statement on November 22, the club put on record its gratitude for Cristiano’s immense contribution and wished him and his family well for the future.”
But Ten Hag has been clear United are moving on. Ronaldo is history, and will remain that way.
“I gave you all the opportunity, many of you were in Spain. We made the statement, we look to the future,” he said when quizzed on the veteran.
Rashford has now proven, yet again this season, that he’s got what it takes to step up and carry this United team.
The 25-year-old was a menacing threat against Burnley, oozing class as Vincent Kompany’s side were put to the sword in the first match since the World Cup in Qatar.
Rashford has his swagger back, something that he was missing when the Red Devils toiled last term.
And as Ronaldo prepares for a new adventure, which is likely to be in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, it’s his old United team-mate who is now taking the spotlight all for himself.
Former United star Gary Neville was full of praise for Rashford after the win over Burnley, believing his positive mood in the warm-up speaks volumes at the current moment in time.
He told Sky Sports: “I think that is the hardest of the positions on the right that Marcus plays.
“He is better centrally and he is better on the left certainly.
“On the right, I think it is difficult for him at times but he looks more enthusiastic and more willing to play there at this moment in time and he makes the best of it.
“I thought generally he was happy in the warm-up, he looked like he was ready to come back.
“You think about the World Cup and the impact will have had on some of these teams, you have got the Brazilians out there and some of the English lads out there that have been knocked out in the quarter-final games.
He has come back and looks like he is happy, and I think it is a good warm-up game to get back into the Premier League.
