Manchester United took a huge risk in the summer transfer window when they picked against a new attacking signing. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was keen to make his mark on the first-team by sanctioning the sale of this frustrated Romelu Lukaku and show his faith in the attacking alternatives better suited to his new kind of play. It seems like one risk that has paid off. On what was his 200th appearance for United it was fitting for Marcus Rashford to lead by example but the overall attacking display was brought even more joy. Although forward Lukaku was part of the United squad which travelled to the Far East for the pre-season tour, deep down Solskjaer understood he wouldn’t be around for long. Talking in summer time window, Solskjaer cited Rashford as somebody who can get him 20-goals a year, and he has responded to this job in style. The challenge of netting 20 goals in a season is also till they manage to achieve it the strain can weigh heavy on a forwards’s shoulders. However the manner in which Rashford has stood this year up is evidence of the maturity. Rashford was captain against Man City in midweek and had Harry Maguire not returned for the trip of Norwich he’d have done the job again. The England international is leading by example on the pitch, even though he did not have the armband on Saturday.
Within the opening twenty minutes Rashford had left Sam Byram for dead twice and performed a roulette on Alexander Tettey which was so good it looked like it came from Las Vegas. A ball from Juan Mata gave him one of the simplest goals of his life while Rashford’s artistry was crucial in winning the penalty for the second. Brandon Williams was released down the left with a perfectly weighted through ball from Rashford before being removed by Tim Krul in the box. It’s accurate any striker could score a penalty, but few could have played the role the 22-year-old did in winning it. Vindication back of the transfer bet of Solskjaer.A header from Anthony Martial followed the sublime solo attack of Mason Greenwood sealed an impressive win at the fitting of situation. What will please the United manager the most, though, is that it had been done implementing a fluid screen that was so rarely seen when Lukaku was playing in the club. There is still a clear need for more signings, and one trendy win against the Premier League’s basement side can not conceal that, but it’s clear United already have the attackers capable of securing a top-four finish. They simply need to provide them with more service from the midfield.
