Marcus Rashford was up to his personal best, as the strike from the 18-year old sent Aston Villa to the Championship. Even though they enjoyed a lion’s share of possession, 70% to be exact, the Red Devils were unable to showcase their domination in terms of goals. However, with the season now inching toward its climax, these 3 points kept the hopes of a Champions League finish alive for Manchester United.
Here are 3 things we learned …
Rashford caps off a Perfect week with today’s winner
For a striker who is only 18, Marcus Rashford is showing plenty of promising signs for the Red Devils. Since starting his Manchester United career with a brace against Arsenal, the English striker hasn’t put a foot wrong in his senior career. However, despite his brilliant form coming into this game, Rashford would have been right to feel the heat.
With Rooney coming back from his injury and Martial in top form, this match was a stern test of his credentials. But, as suggested by his name on the score-sheet, Rashford has all the traits to challenge Rooney and Martial for a spot in the Manchester United Starting XI for next season.
Memphis Depay spurned his chance to impress
By limiting both Lingard and Martial to the bench, Louis Van Gaal took a bold step by giving Memphis Depay another chance to impress. However, as suggested by his miss in the closing stages of the game, Depay is still struggling to justify the 25-Million-Pounds which the Red Devils paid for him in the summer.
Despite missing two months of action, Rooney looked sharp on his return
For a player who has missed the last 2 months due to injury, Wayne Rooney showed no signs of lethargy on his return to first team action. In addition to starting the move that resulted in Manchester United’s only goal of the day, Rooney looked sharp ahead of a crucial FA Cup tie.
