Rashford's Hot Streak Is So Timely

Goals always mean something, no matter how trivial they may appear at times in the overall scheme of things.

Sat at the Stadium of Light as Manchester United toyed with 10-man Sunderland earlier this month, it was natural to crave a third strike to emphasise the Reds' superiority over the bottom side. It was a long time coming after Henrikh Mkhitaryan's effort at the start of the second half but, when it finally arrived in the 89th minute, it was worth the wait.

After passing inside to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford had to patiently await the return ball and, when it came with precision from his Swedish colleague, the teenager advanced to bury a low drive beyond Jordan Pickford in the Black Cats' net. The coup de grace in a 3-0 win on the road but a goal that would have greater repercussions.

Not only is there often a feelgood factor associated with ending matches on a high but, on a personal level, it appears to have boosted Rashford at a crucial stage of the season. There has been no cause to criticise his performance levels all season but the strike ended a Premier League drought that extended back to 24 September, when he touched home against Leicester City at Old Trafford.

Statisticians are happy to cover such matters in their facts and figures, which must be frustrating for any forward. "What about my three goals in the Emirates FA Cup?", Marcus might ask. "They don't count on this run as it is league only", comes the reply. Never mind that the 19-year-old was usually being utilised in a wide role and that his cup goals came when he was played down the middle; the stat would get trotted out with an implication that he was suffering from 'second-season syndrome'.

United boss Jose Mourinho has backed the youngster and regularly spoken of his contentment with Rashford's work. For a manager whom it was said would be wary of supporting youth in the past, he has undeniably pinned his faith in the homegrown talent. The jet-heeled forward has played more times than any other Premier League player currently aged under 21 this term and clearly has the mentality required to succeed at the very top.

The clinical finish on Wearside provided an extra spark, perhaps even a small injection of confidence that has allowed Rashford to visibly step up a gear this month. It was his excellent first-time shot that led to Mkhitaryan's crucial away goal at Anderlecht, following a fine parry by Ruben, and his individual display against Chelsea was simply sensational.

The ice-cool shot past Asmir Begovic was the highlight of a showing brimming with bravado and attacking intent as he and pal Jesse Lingard gave the Premier League leaders a torrid afternoon at Old Trafford. Very much a man in form, the teenager was the star performer in the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Anderlecht and, of course, emerged as the hero with the extra-time winner.

Fast and fearless, Rashford has that extra spring in his step just when United need him most. At the critical phase of the season, he is coming to the fore and any absence through injury for Ibrahimovic will increase the pressure on the level-headed Mancunian.

Yet there is a sense he will not only take this in his stride but relish the responsibility. He may have looked out on his feet after scoring on Thursday but still gamely attempted to chase through balls designed to expose defenders who were also tiring. Whether he will be allowed a rest as United's taxing schedule continues is up for debate but Rashford appears to be a young man on a mission.

Three goals in four games provides some evidence of his red-hot form but there is much more to the story than this. Defenders appear petrified of the Academy graduate's pace and it can be the key ingredient in ensuring a successful end to the season for Mourinho's side.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not represent those of Manchester United.

Credit: Manutd.com