As Marcus Rashford deservedly receives all the praise, it should be remembered that it was Luis Van Gaal who handed the forward an opportunity at Old Trafford.
Then only 18 years old, Rashford grabbed the opportunity with both hands! The Dutch tactician known for his obsession with young talent put his faith in the academy graduate, handing him a senior debut on the European stage.
It was on 25th February, 2016 when the teenager was named among the first eleven in the dugout against Midtyjland in the Europa League . He repaid his manager’s trust by scoring a brace as Manchester United overwhelmed Midtyjland 5-2
The academy product would make his full senior debut against Arsenal three days later. With United having a depleted squad hit by injuries, Rashford was given a node up against the Gunners in which the teenager struck twice as Manchester United edged Arsenal 3-2.
Rashford’s quality was now evident and when asked in his press where Rashford’s debut ranked, the former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax boss placed the teenager among the elite group.
“I can imagine a lot of them. Patrick Kluivert makes a winning goal for Ajax in Super Cup in Netherlands, Xavi (Barcelona) fantastic against, I think Valladolid and Thomas Muller a fantastic debut for Bayern.”
Rashford has since demonstrated his quality as an elite. Van Gaal went on to say; “you get a chance and you have to do the things that we are asking, I have always said . It’s not a matter of age, it’s a matter of quality and he shows it.”
The forward has since matured in decision making getting in dangerous positions where his teammates can easily pick him to hurt the opposition hence his 22 goals and 8 assists currently.
Its by no surprise that his current manager Erik Ten Hag recently said that “He is unstoppable at the moment. Such a high belief for scoring goals, which we are happy with of course. But credit to the team as they get him every time in the right position.”
The forward has been in stellar form since the World Cup which prompted his manager to heap praise . Asked if Rashford is one of the best forwards in Europe Ten Hag said; “He is definitely one of them. He has the skills, I was convinced from the first moment. I was really excited to work with him.”
Rashford is the reason Manchester United is the only English team still in four competitions.If he can maintain his fitness and form ,then Man United have a real legend in the making! With him, they are poised to win and achieve the success that has eluded them.
