Football

Rashford hails ‘clever’ teammate after Brentford victory

April 6, 2023 3:30 pm

rashford and fernandes

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has heaped praise on teammate Antony – who has been criticised in some quarters for his output in the final third this term –  after the Brazilian played a crucial role in manufacturing the Red Devils’ winning goal against Brentford on Wednesday evening.

United had been desperate to get back to winning ways following a run of three games without a win or a goal in the Premier League and a narrow 1-0 triumph over the Bees at Old Trafford allowed them to do just that.

Rashford was once again United’s game-changer, netting the game’s only goal in the 27th-minute by blasting the ball into the roof of the net past the visitor’s keeper David Raya.

‘Clever’ Antony parts the Brentford defence

Rashford’s winning first-half strike, which was his 28th goal of the season in all competitions was set-up by loanee Marcel Sabitzer, though the Austrian was picked out with a superb, imaginative scooped pass by Antony before he nodded the ball down for Rashford to finish.

After full time, Rashford was keen to pinpoint Antony’s involvement in the goal, saying:

“They are difficult to break down, they defend well in a block of five or six players and you have to wait for openings. It’s a very clever pass from Antony and it ends up a simple goal but it was quite tough to break them down.”

Rashford continued, saying: “The main was to win, we played much better football and better out of possession”

“The type of performance you can build on. It wasn’t easy or simple but very happy with the three points.

Rashford continues excellent campaign

United played with plenty of intent from the first whistle under the lights at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening, however, it was Rashford who provided the finishing touch, just like the 25-year-old has been doing all season long for the Manchester giants.

Rashford’s latest goal puts him level with current teammate Bruno Fernandes and former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the highest-scorer in a single season for the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement back in 2023.

However, Rashford still has plenty of time to add to his already impressive tally with United set to play another raft of games in multiple competitions between now and the summer.

Rashford targeting more wins

Next up for United is a tricky test against relegation-threatened Everton at Old Trafford in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, where the hosts will hope that their star performer can produce more magic in front of the Stretford End.

Rashford revealed that he is enjoying his football, however wins remain the name of the game for the attacker.

“I’m enjoying myself, the main aim for me is just to keep trying to win football matches for the club and try and get as deep into the season as we can,” he said.

“We need to try and get as many points as we can. We know the two teams at the top are running away with it a little bit but it’s important for us and our own growth and development to keep winning games and see how many points we can finish on at the end of the season.”

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