Man Utd news: Marcus Rashford’s five best moments in a Manchester United shirt
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford rose through the club’s youth ranks before stunningly breaking out into the first team and garnering the adoration of United fans worldwide.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo reflects on the winger’s most iconic moments as a Manchester United player, as his time at the club seemingly comes to an end.
One of our own
As Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United chapter appears to be nearing its conclusion, fans find themselves reflecting on a career filled with incredible highs and moments of brilliance.
A product of United’s academy, Rashford has amassed an impressive collection of team silverware.
These include two FA Cups, two EFL Cups, a UEFA Europa League, and a Community Shield, while also earning individual accolades like winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award twice and being named in the PFA Team of the Year.
From his debut as a fearless teenager to his finest displays on the European stage, Rashford has given United supporters memories to cherish.
As we bid farewell to the Wythenshawe-born star, here are his top five unforgettable moments in a United shirt.
A dream debut: Two goals against Midtjylland (2016)
Fate has a funny way of shaping careers, and for Rashford, it arrived in February 2016 during a Europa League tie against FC Midtjylland.
An unexpected injury to Anthony Martial during the warm-up meant Rashford was handed his first-team debut.
Despite the pressure, the then-18-year-old delivered in stunning style, scoring twice in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
His goals, a composed finish from close range and a brilliant strike from a loose ball showcased a maturity beyond his years.
It was a night United fans would never forget, as a future star was born under the floodlights.
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Tormenting Arsenal on Premier League debut (2016)
Just three days after his electric Europa League debut, Rashford was thrust into Premier League action against title-chasing Arsenal.
Once again, he rose to the occasion, scoring twice and assisting Ander Herrera in a thrilling 3-2 victory.
His first goal, a composed finish past Petr Cech, and his second, a perfectly timed header, left the Gunners’ defence reeling.
Beyond the goals, Rashford’s energy, movement, and fearlessness defined his performance.
It was a statement to the footballing world: a new star had arrived, and he wasn’t going anywhere.
Paris Saint-Germain penalty heroics (2019)
Arguably the most iconic moment of Rashford’s career came during the Champions League Round of 16 in Paris.
After losing the first leg 2-0 at Old Trafford, United pulled off a miraculous comeback in the second leg.
With the score at 2-1 in United’s favour, they were awarded a last-minute penalty after a VAR review for a handball.
Rashford, just 21 years old at the time, had the weight of the club on his shoulders.
Calm and composed, he rifled the ball into the top corner, sending United into the quarterfinals.
His celebration, a mixture of relief and elation, mirrored the feelings of fans worldwide.
It was a moment of pure brilliance under the highest pressure.
Stunning free kick Against Chelsea (2019)
In a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie at Stamford Bridge, Rashford produced one of the finest goals of his career.
Standing over the ball from nearly 40 yards out, he struck a free kick that seemed to defy physics.
The ball dipped and swerved into the top corner, leaving Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero helpless.
It was a goal reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark knuckleball free-kicks, drawing comparisons between the two stars.
Rashford’s long-range strike not only secured a 2-1 win for United but also cemented his reputation as a player capable of delivering moments of sheer brilliance.
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Hat-Trick against RB Leipzig (2020)
In the Champions League group stage against a strong RB Leipzig side, Rashford delivered a performance for the ages.
Coming off the bench in the 63rd minute, he scored a breathtaking hat-trick in just 27 minutes, leading United to a dominant 5-0 win.
His first goal came from a perfectly timed run, his second a precise finish following a blistering counterattack, and his third a cool strike in added time.
Rashford’s ability to exploit space and capitalise on defensive errors was on full display, leaving the opposition utterly stunned.
It was a masterclass in efficiency and flair, showcasing his evolution as a lethal forward.
