MARCUS RASHFORD finally ended his six-month goal drought with a first-half strike during Man Utd’s 3-0 win over Southampton.
Rashford, 26, hadn’t found the back of the net in a Premier League match since he bagged against Everton back in March last season.
That 189-day wait came to an end today when he delicately curled his effort around Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale to put Man Utd 2-0 up at St Mary’s today.
United fans were over the moon for their star winger, having watched him battle through a rough patch of form which has seen him lose his place in the England setup.
While Rashford’s Man Utd teammates seemed just as delighted with many fans pointing out how they ran over to celebrate the redemption goal with him.
Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Noussiar Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee were first to the scene and piled on their love to Rashford.
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Red Devils fans watching on from home spotted their “wholesome” reaction and reacted online.
One wrote: “Everyone celebrating with Rashford Is so wholesome”.
While another added: “Look at the way all United players celebrate with Rashford. They all love him”.
A third gushed: “He’s the man. Our man.”
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And a fourth posted: “Things we love to see”.
Rashford was smothered by his team-mates so quickly that he barely had any time to celebrate – doing away with his usual ‘head point’ celebration.
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
Although other fans teased that it had been so long since Rashford had got on the scoresheet he had “forgotten” how to celebrate.
One joked: “Rashford hasn’t scored for so long that he forgot how to celebrate a goal.”
And another teased: “Rashford doesn’t even know his own celebration anymore.”
Rashford’s goal was crucial in getting Erik ten Hag’s men over the line in their 3-0 victory over the Saints.
United had struggled in the opening half an hour, but a 33rd minute penalty save from Andre Onana sparked the Manchester club into life.
Just two minutes after the save, Matthijs de Ligt popped up with his first Man Utd goal to put his new club ahead on the south coast.
And with the momentum behind the away side, Rashford’s drought-breaking finish arrived just six minutes after the opener.
The second half looked comfortable for United with some rather passive play by Ten Hag’s side after adding their two-goal cushion.
That was until Jack Stephens was sent off for Southampton with just over 10 minutes to play for a high challenge on Alejandro Garnacho.
The one-man advantage allowed United to grab a third goal and move the needle on their goal difference in the early stages of the season.
Garnacho popped up in the sixth minute of added time to seal a 3-0 win on the road.
After the match, a jubilant Ten Hag said: “The start was not easy.
“I think the penalty was the turning point in the game and not so far after we scored and that was very important. From that moment on, the game was all ours.”
Reflecting on Rashford’s ending of his drought, the Dutchman said: “It’s very important.
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“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
