MARCUS RASHFORD continued to put himself in strong contention for Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad after netting Manchester United’s winner against West Ham.
The 24-year-old came into the game against the Hammers with a goal against Sheriff in the Europa League on Thursday.
And he got his second in a week with a thumping header at the back post, meeting Christian Eriksen‘s inch-perfect cross.
The winger now has seven goals and three assists across all competitions this term, putting himself in good contention for the England squad next month.
He was a good supporting star for Cristiano Ronaldo, who started up front.
Anthony Elanga, meanwhile, was handed a rare start but struggled to get into the game.
The young winger often found himself pinned back by Hammers left-back Aaron Cresswell and with Alejandro Garnacho impressing, and Anthony Martial as well as Jadon Sancho to return, he could find himself falling down the pecking order..
The win lifts United above top-four rivals Chelsea and moves them one point behind fourth-place Newcastle.
United were at times careless in possession, but they got the job done after facing very little threat from the travelling side.
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Mbu rates the Red Devils.
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David de Gea – 8
Had nothing to do in the first half with West Ham posing very little goal threat.
Pulled off two wonderful saves with ten minutes to go to maintain United’s lead.
Denied a long range Declan Rice effort right at the death.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Put in a dangerous cross in the first half, nearly finding compatriot Ronaldo, but Rashford took the ball off the 37-year-old’s feet.
Harry Maguire – 7
Assured at the back. Strong in the air. Solid performance alongside Martinez.
Denied Jarrod Bowen with a fine block late on.
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Found Elanga in behind with a quarterback pass early on.
Luke Shaw – 6
A good full-back performance. Overlapped Rashford well.
Casemiro – 6
Swept up well in the middle of the park. But struggled when faced with Said Benrahma.
Christian Eriksen – 7
Provided the assist for the opener, whipping a devilish ball to the back post for Rashford.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Linked up play well and managed to find good pockets of space.
Anthony Elanga – 5
Quiet afternoon for the youngster. Struggled to get into the game.
Subbed early on in the second half.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Saw a shot deflect over in the 15th minute after intercepting Dawson’s pass to Kehrer.
Opened the scoring in the first half with a thumping header at the back post.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 6
Dropped deep in the early stages to get on the ball. Had a shot from range but it didn’t trouble Fabianski.
Subs
Scott McTominay (for Elanga, 60) – 5
Didn’t have much to do when coming on. Was brought on to help United in the midfield.
Fred (for Eriksen, 78) – 6
Had a header cannon off the post.
