The Red Devils marched to their sixth straight Premier League victory as they notched up a 2-0 win against West Ham United at the Olympic Stadium.
It was a strange game of sorts for Manchester United. They were handed the man advantage early on as West Ham saw Sofiane Feghouli sent off after 13 minutes for a foul on Phil Jones.
United couldn’t turn that to their advantage immediately though, having to slog it out against a resolute Hammers defence. The big break came when substitute Marcus Rashford outfoxed the defence on the left wing to set up Juan Mata to fire United in front.
A Zlatan Ibrahimovic strike later, United had all three points. After the game, fans took to twitter to hail the brilliant performance by Rashford.
Official: Marcus Rashford given Man of the Match vs West Ham.
— ㅤ (@TheUtdReview) January 2, 2017
I saw a story that mentioned Rashford’s “goal drought” – er he’s a kid. Give him time. Man of the match tonight, changed the game
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) January 2, 2017
Having Rashford as a super sub to run at tired legs is immense. MOTM with 30 mins on the pitch.
— Hayley B (@Hayles_101) January 2, 2017
Rashford’s match stats vs West Ham:
1 assist
3 chances created
25 passes
96% pass accuracy
100% dribbles completed#MUFC— Devils Latest (@Devils_Latest) January 2, 2017
The Portuguese manager got his substitutes spot on for the game, as both Mata and Rashford combined to give United the lead.
After the game, the teenage striker credited his manager for instructing him how to play and where. It looks like ‘the special one’ may just be getting his mojo back.
One sub to another. Brilliant management from Mourinho. Brilliant from Rashford. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) January 2, 2017
Mourinho on decisions going #mufc‘s way: ‘Which decisions? My decisions to play Mata at half-time and Rashford later? Thank you very much.’
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) January 2, 2017
Marcus Rashford: “Jose told me to stay wide and isolate the full-back. I just followed orders, we’re all very happy now.” pic.twitter.com/t8icO9xNFv
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) January 2, 2017
Regardless of the praise coming in for Mourinho, this was a solid display by a player who is constantly having to deal with media speculation about his state of mind.
19-year-old Rashford may not be an automatic starter for United any more, but with his display against the Hammers, the young starlet showed that he has just what it takes to become one of the best in the business.
Marcus Rashford is a delightful footballer and if he avoids any rotten luck with injury, he’ll be a star.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 2, 2017
United won today because Rashford is an engine, he got things going and built the momentum United needed to win #MUFC @MarcusRashford
— M16 (@MasirAhmad) January 2, 2017
Rashford easily the man of the match. His pace and dribble accuracy was well needed. Absolutely brilliant today, would have had 3 assists.
— Belotti. (@CleanThing_) January 2, 2017
Rashford was brilliant. Pogba very classy. Bit of luck but job done.
— Jane Kozera (@janekozera) January 2, 2017
Marcus Rashford brilliant!The future is brigher!
— Reuben Kariuki (@reuben_kariuki) January 2, 2017
Rashford has got a lot to learn, but my word he’s going to be brilliant. So young, but seems so mature and experienced.
— Michael (@MikeMUFC_) January 2, 2017
