Ice-cool Rashford reveals his penalty secret

Marcus Rashford had a clear head when he stepped up to the spot to hit Manchester United’s penalty winner against Leicester City, despite missing from his last attempt from 12 yards.

It has been a tale of penalties for the Reds throughout this season.

Rashford hit the woodwork against Crystal Palace last month, in the 2-1 Old Trafford defeat, and Paul Pogba also suffered from the spot against Wolves at Molineux when the Reds drew 1-1.

However, Mancunian striker Rashford made no mistake in the duel with Kasper Schmeichel, in the eighth minute, to give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side a vital 1-0 win against Leicester.

“There has been a lot of talk [about penalties] but it is all about clearing that out of your head and just getting back down to basics,” Marcus told MUTV.

“When it comes down to it, that is all you know, to get to the first team, it is by doing the basics and working hard.

“I just try to look at the keeper, especially a keeper like him because he has a good jump and likes to go early. If it is not hard and in the corner, then he has a chance of saving it. But it was a nice feeling to score.”

Post-international break matches are notoriously difficult to contend with, but Rashford insisted the squad breaking up to go away with their respective countries in the last fortnight, after the 1-1 draw at Southampton, was a plus this time.

“The preparations are a lot more difficult for the manager and staff to get the work in,” said Marcus.

“But we have used it as a positive, following the last game at Southampton. We felt we should have won that game so the break worked in our favour because we got to go away and clear our heads, focused on the games with the national teams and then came back with fresh minds.

“As a result, I think it was a bit more calm today. It felt like, on the pitch, we knew we were going to win.

“We have been playing well since the start of the season. Today wasn’t as good a performance but we got the three points. Football is funny at times and that’s how it goes.

“It is a big three points, not only for the league position but, for the team, it is big.

“We don’t have the biggest squad and we have some injuries, and to some very important players as well, but it shows good courage and strength to get through it.

“We are not worried at all. We have the players coming back and we have young players on the bench who are itching for an opportunity. When they get the chance, they will deliver. We are in a good place.”