Promising Points: Rashford's Big Finish

This week, we're looking back at some of the moments from last season which are making ManUtd.com journalists look forward to the new season with optimism...

Marcus Rashford totalled 53 appearances last season, more than any other Manchester United player, yet it was his outing on Thursday 20 April that best displayed his precocious gifts.

RSC Anderlecht provided the opposition and Old Trafford was the setting, as the Reds deservedly booked a place in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. It was a night of heightened tension, but not initially.

All was going to plan early on when Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s 10th-minute goal opened a 2-1 aggregate advantage over the inexperienced, wide-eyed Belgians. Safe passage to the last-four appeared likely. But then Sofiane Hanni scrambled home a shock equaliser and nerves began to jangle. Profligacy ensued as big chances were missed, before Marcus Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic suffered season-ending injuries.

The sight of Ibra being partially-carried off by two strong-armed physiotherapists was a huge concern in light of his immense contribution to the team. The Swede had scored 28 goals in 46 games across all competitions by that point and basic maths suggested he would exceed 35 by the close of his debut campaign in England. The focal point of our attack was suddenly gone, at the time of greatest need.

Zlatan had been lost but the tie had not, and Rashford moved up front as substitute Anthony Martial filled in on the left wing. The pressure and responsibility of a Europa League match now rested on the shoulders of a local teenager. It wasn’t the first time, of course, after a pre-match injury to Martial a year earlier had enforced Rashford's unexpected senior debut and a famous brace against FC Midtjylland. Nevertheless, it was a big deal.

Instead of wilting under the pressure, Marcus actually grew in stature and delivered a sensational winner in extra time, when he switched the ball’s direction with the inside of his right foot, sent Anderlecht defenders Serigne Mbodji and Leander Dendoncker in the wrong direction, and dispatched a left-footed shot that won the tie.

In the tunnel, Mourinho lavished words of praise on his increasingly-impressive teen and explained why he had become a trusted lieutenant. “His quality is fantastic,” Jose said. “He had not scored a goal since September but, because of his mentality, because of what he gives us, I have kept relying on him. Some other players don’t realise what makes me trust a player, and Marcus I trust.”

That was a valuable insight into the manager's evaluations of players. Physical attributes like speed and finishing are important, but so too are mental qualities like perseverance and confidence.

“It's a massive thing when a manager like him says that,” Rashford later acknowledged, with the hint of a smile. “The best thing about it is that you've earned it. He didn't just come in and say 'there you go – play every game'. He's made us all work for his trust and respect."

With Ibrahimovic unavailable, Rashford finished the campaign as United’s main striker and scored another crucial Europa League goal in the semi-final, first leg win away to Celta Vigo, when he instructed the more-experienced Daley Blind to step aside so that he could dispatch a vicious free-kick into the net himself. It was an impressive display of confidence from a young player with increasing faith in his own abilities.

“He’s a 19-year-old kid,” the manager said in Spain that evening. “But he’s a 19-year-old kid that’s in love with football. A kid that finishes a training session and stays half an hour more to take free-kicks and to wait for the opportunity. It’s his mentality. He works, he works, and he works.”

Just like his influence, the boy wonder's physique is still growing and Rashford will soon combine more power with his electric pace. Adding meat to the bones is something he is working hard on at the Aon Training Complex.

Such a work ethic meant Rashford was a sure-fire starter for the Europa League final in Stockholm and, although he did not score in the 2-0 win over AFC Ajax, he led the line with maturity and poise.

After finishing the season with 53 appearances, 11 goals and three trophies, the next big challenge for the young forward is to maintain such impressive momentum throughout the anticipated 2017/18 campaign.

As we saw against Anderlecht, Marcus Rashford is not afraid to step up.

The views expressed in this article are personal to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

Credit: Manutd.com