FOR 45 minutes it appeared as though Manchester United were going to suffer Europa League humiliation at the hands of Midtjylland.
The Danish side went into the half-time break in the return leg at Old Trafford level at 1-1 – and with a 3-1 aggregate lead.
Enter Marcus Rashford.
The 18-year-old United debutant – who was only promoted from the bench by manager Louis van Gaal just before kick-off following Anthony Martial’s injury in the warm-up – turned the tie around with a second-half double.
Further goals from Ander Herrera and Memphis Depay ultimately sealed a comfortable 5-1 success on the night that saw the Red Devils advance to the last 16 with a 6-3 aggregate triumph.
So who is Marcus Rashford?
It’s fair to say that’s a question even the most ardent of United fans would have been asking as their latest local product lined up at kick-off.
The youngster, who joined the Red Devils from the renowned Fletcher Moss Junior football club, following in the steps of Wes Brown and Danny Welbeck, had been in included in United’s matchday squad twice this season – for Premier League matches against Watford and Leicester.
And on this showing, with Wayne Rooney sidelined for several more weeks and Martial now potentially absent for a few matches, we may see a bit more of him before the season’s out.
The Daily Mirror did some research on the teenager and uncovered the following:
“United pipped rivals Manchester City to Rashford’s signature in 2014 and he became a crucial part of Paul McGuinness’ Under-18 side.
“He also impressed earlier this season in the UEFA Youth League, netting twice at PSV Eindhoven and scoring from the spot against Wolfsburg.
“Rashford is an energetic striker, who possesses a powerful shot and the ability to play in a number of attacking roles, either as an out-and-out striker or in more of a No10 role. He has an eye for a spectacular goal and is a real threat at set-pieces.”
What do you think United fans? Sounds promising? With the top four virtually out of reach now, should Van Gaal give Rashford an extended run in the first team?
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