Manchester United; Rashford to the rescue

Manchester United had their big money stars silenced Saturday as they faced a very determined and well-managed Hull City side. But local boy Marcus Rashford came off the bench to make his first appearance of the season, and more notably make a point to his new manager.

I asked the question many weeks ago; “Can Zlatan produce on a rainy evening away to Hull City?” Today that question was answered with a resounding no. The 34-year-old Swede was kept quiet for most of this encounter. Man marked by a resilient and stubborn Hull City side that former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has made his mark on.

Zlatan was able to provide a 2^nd minute back heel pass. We all know how Zlatan loves a back heel, save for a 9^th minute flicked header over the bar, we seen very little from the new number 9.

Starting XI;

Jose Mourinho opted to go with the same starting lineup as last week’s easy win over Southampton. Once again choosing to partner Paul Pogba with Marouane Fellaini. Mourinho must see something in Fellaini that I am missing.

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The Belgian midfielder just seems very ordinary in contrast to the talent around him. Proven today with reckless challenges giving away needless free kicks around the Manchester United penalty area earning himself a 23^rd minute booking.

Hull City having a go;

The Tigers made an impressive start to their season and looked to maintain their 100% record. In the 26^th minute Robert Snodgrass got goal side of Luke Shaw and tried to get on the end of a very dangerous inch perfect cross from Andrew Robertson. Shaw recovered brilliantly though getting a vital head to the ball. Snodgrass slid on the wet surface and collided with the post as De Gea gratefully scooped up the loose ball.

Wayne Rooney is a number 10;

Manchester United’s captain Wayne Rooney was as hard working as ever. He was always chasing down the ball and working very well behind Zlatan. The 36^th minute saw him break down the right and play a fierce low cross in for Anthony Martial who misread it slightly and was unable to provide the finish. Martial seems to struggling to hit the form of last year. He looked constantly frustrated on the left and many fans are beginning to wonder if maybe a break might be in order for the young Frenchman.

A bit of luck;

United definitely looked the stronger of the two sides at half time but Hull seemed determined to stay the course. Immediately following the break they lost their biggest threat. Robert Snodgrass went down off the ball, presumably still suffering the effects from his earlier disagreement with the post.

Injection of pace;

Approaching the hour mark Anthony Martial was replaced by summer signing Henrikh Mktitaryan who made an instant impact charging at the Hull defense and earning a couple of free kicks in dangerous areas.  Showing us a taste of the skill and brilliance he is capable of.

In the 71^st minute Many United finally got their wish as Marcus Rashford was brought on for Juan Mata. The 18-year-old has been waiting patiently for his chance, even losing his place in Sam Allardyce’s England team. The homegrown talent made an immediate impact creating the best chance of the game, running down the left and cutting inside and unleashing a low strike only to be denied by a great Eldin Jakupovic saves.

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With the game looking increasingly like a draw, United were shooting from anywhere. Pogba coming closest in the 88^th minute as his 20 yard strike just missing the target.

Then in the 92^nd minute, Marcus Rashford added another chapter to his fairytale career. Wayne Rooney showed great skill to skip past his defender down the left, putting in a low cross that Rashford read brilliantly, beating 2 defenders to the ball and providing the finish. His joy was plain to see as he ran to the jubilant travelling supporters becoming immersed in a sea of fans and earning himself a booking.

We can only hope that new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho took notice and we will start to see more first team appearances from young “Rasher”. The manager seemed delighted with the team not giving up and happily says “we won in Fergie time.”