Manchester United was without its best summer signing this season, Casemiro, when it played Leeds United once again last weekend as the Brazilian is serving his three-match suspension due to a red card; Both teams played out a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last Wednesday, with the Red Devils coming back from a 2-0 deficit, thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho. The Peacocks held the fort for most part of the match this time around like how they did at United’s home few days ago, but they succumbed to the opponent’s pressure in the last ten minutes of normal play time, allowing Erik ten Hag’s men to take home all three points in this Premier League fixture.
Sabitzer Impressed in Second Start
Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer continued to be deployed by his manager to start in consecutive games and the 28-year-old was widely praised for United’s first goal of the match. The Red Devils had multiple chances to get onto the scoresheet in the first half, but Bruno Fernandes squandered a one-on-one opportunity and Rashford was half a step late from putting the ball into the back of the net during a corner set-piece. The visitors had to wait until the 80th minute to draw first blood, with the in-form 25-year-old forward firing in a header and scoring his 13th goal in 14 matches past Illan Meslier. The delivery came from his England teammate Luke Shaw, after Sabitzer switched a beautiful long ball to the out-wide left-back near the edge of the penalty box.
Another winter transfer signing, 30-year-old Wout Weghorst, was involved in United’s second goal, when he unleashed the substitute Alejandro Garnacho on the left flank. The teenage sensation ran past 26-year-old centre-back Robin Koch, before striking the ball at the near post, and not even the woodwork could prevent Manchester United from doubling its lead. The former academy player from Madrid, Spain has now scored three goals for his club, after making his senior debut last season. The Red Devils had two more chances in the dying moments of match, but Rashford’s and Weghorst’s efforts were both ruled out off-side.
Everything Rashford Touches Turns to Goals
Erik ten Hag’s side was demoralised by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure right before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but England forward Marcus Rashford’s form after the quadrennial event soon changed things for the team from the Red Side of Manchester.
The 25-year-old striker had scored 21 goals in 34 matches in all competitions for his club this season, with only one goal shy from his best scoring season in 2019/2020. It is worth mentioning that the Manchester-born player once scored 22 goals three seasons ago, but he only managed to achieve that feat in 44 games throughout the season. With Manchester United’s no. 10 now continuing his outstanding form, it makes everyone wonder what would be his eventual tally in this campaign, as Manchester United is still in contention for three other cup competitions, in addition to its remaining 15 Premier League fixtures.
MARCUS RASHFORD DELIVERS AGAIN 👉😤 pic.twitter.com/y7VFfKea1X
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 12, 2023
Manchester United vs Barcelona in the UEFA Europa League, Where Can You Watch It Live?
Rashford’s performance would be utterly important when his team faces Barcelona over the two-legged Play-Off fixture in the UEFA Europa League this Thursday evening. The clash may sound like a downgrade from what it used to be as both teams had competed against each other ten times in a row in the better tier of European club football, the UEFA Champions League, but with revivals of powerhouses from the Premier League and La Liga under managers Erik ten Hag and Xavi, this cup-tie will be filled with vitalities and excitement like never before.
Interestingly, Manchester United had lost the last four meetings against Barcelona in the Champions League and only managed a single win in their last ten clashes (A 1-0 win in 2007/2008 Season). Besides, with the form Xavi’s Barcelona is in at the moment (Unbeaten since October 2022), the Red Devils will be going into the game as the overwhelming underdog.
Can Erik ten Hag’s side stand any chances against the current leader of the La Liga this time? You can watch Manchester United vs Barcelona in the Europa League live at AsiaSport.com.
