Marcus Rashford matches Van Nistelrooy statistic with derby winner for Man Utd as pundit highlights ‘massive strides’ under Ten Hag
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Marcus Rashford has been declared as Manchester United’s “main man” after scoring the winner in the derby against Manchester City.
After losing the first derby of the season, United welcomed City to Old Trafford with a point to prove. They fell behind to a Jack Grealish header in the second half, before an impressive turnaround.
First, they equalised via Bruno Fernandes, whose goal was initially disallowed due to Rashford being offside. However, since the number 10 never touched it, the goal was eventually given.
Then, Rashford converted a cross from Alejandro Garnacho to win it.
In the process, he became the first United player since Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2003 to score in seven successive games for the club.
Rashford has certainly been revived this season under Ten Hag and had an obvious impact in the derby.
Describing the goal on BT Sport, Jermaine Jenas said: “It’s all about Garnacho this.
‘The stadium absolutely lit up after the first goal. But listen to it now. And it’s come from their main man, Marcus Rashford. Right place, right time.
“He’s in red-hot form and he can’t stop scoring now.”
Rashford has already comfortably surpassed his goal tally from last season. This was his eighth Premier League goal of the season and 16th in all competitions.
And according to Jenas, he is now getting into the right kind of positions again to make an impact.
He later added: “It’s the in-form man, where you want to see him, scoring goals.”
There is now just a one-point gap between United and City in the Premier League table. Even though Pep Guardiola’s men are ahead in the standings, the narrowing distance proves the progress Ten Hag’s side are making.
And Jenas later suggested they have a good chance of challenging in the second half of the season, thanks to the “massive strides” they have taken under Ten Hag.
The co-commentator explained: “The spirit, the fight, the will they have shown to get back into this game… they are in a great position as a group to challenge and progress over the second half of the season.
“They have made massive strides under Ten Hag. ”
United now have a five-point cushion in the Champions League places, although they will have to maintain their form over the second half of the season.
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