MANCHESTER UNITED fans were loving Ruud van Nistelrooy’s reaction to Marcus Rashford’s goal against Southampton.
Rashford, 26, scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Southampton.
The forward moved the ball to his right foot before bending a shot into the far corner beyond the outstretched arms of Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
It was his first league goal since March 9 against Everton, 189 days ago, and his first in all competitions since March 17 against Liverpool in the FA Cup.
SunSport exclusively revealed how Rashford was taking extra training sessions with Van Nistelrooy in a bid to end his goal drought.
And after scoring against Southampton, Van Nistelrooy was seen holding his arms in the air to celebrate the goal.
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Fans were loving the scenes from St Mary’s stadium and rushed to social media to share their thoughts.
One fan said: “Van Nistelrooy, a United legend himself, clearly sees a kindred spirit in Rashford. His reaction speaks volumes about the talent and potential he sees in the young Englishman.”
A second said: “Genuinely happy for Rashford, RVN having an impact.”
Another said: “He looked so proud of him.”
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Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scores
MARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.
The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.
But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.
Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…
Andre Onana – 7
Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.
But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.
Noussair Mazraouri – 7
Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.
Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.
Matthijs De Ligt – 8
Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.
He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.
Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.
Christian Eriksen – 7
A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.
The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.
Amad Diallo – 7
Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.
SUBS
Garnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7
Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.
He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.
Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6
Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6
Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6
A fourth added: “He was every Marcus Rashford fan.”
Rashford’s strike came just minutes after Matthijs de Ligt headed home the opener, which itself came moments after Andre Onana dramatically saved a penalty from Cameron Archer.
Alejandro Garnacho added a third goal in injury time to secure a 3-0 win.
Boss Erik ten Hag was thrilled to see Rashford end his drought,
The Dutchman said: “It’s very important.
“For every striker, they want to be on the scoring list. Once the first is in, more is coming.
“Once a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle, once it’s going, it’s coming more.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
