Manchester United thrashed newly promoted Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday to open their Premier League account in style.
Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick while Bryan Mbeumo also got in on the act. Interestingly, two players who lost their way under former head coach Ruben Amorim stole the show against the Tractor Boys.
Kobbie Mainoo was close to leaving under the Portuguese, but the Englishman ran proceedings in the second half.
Marcus Rashford must have felt his United career was over when Amorim shipped him out on loan to Aston Villa two seasons ago.
Marcus Rashford returns to Old Trafford with a bang
The Mancunian then joined Barcelona on loan, won La Liga, yet the Catalans chose not to make his loan permanent. Not many expected the Carrington graduate to return to Manchester.
He did and finally started after 626 days and it was a performance he can be proud of. While the 28-year-old did not get on the scoresheet, his hard work down the left did not go unnoticed.
| Goals | 0 |
|---|---|
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.26 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 0.05 |
| Key passes | 3 |
| Crosses (accurate) | 3 (0) |
| Accurate passes | 24/31 (77%) |
| Passes in opposition half (acc.) | 13/20 (65%) |
| Passes in own half (acc.) | 11/11 (100%) |
| Long balls (accurate) | 2/3 (67%) |
| Distance covered | 1.7 km |
| Top speed | 32.4 km/h |
| Number of sprints | 11 |
| Running | 0.92 km (53.6%) |
| High-speed running | 0.43 km (25.1%) |
| Sprinting | 0.37 km (21.6%) |
| Total shots | 4 |
| Expected goals on target (xGOT) | 0.36 |
| Shots on target | 2 |
| Shots blocked | 0 |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Touches | 53 |
| Unsuccessful touches | 2 |
| Dribbles (successful) | 3 (2) |
| Was fouled | 2 |
| Possession lost | 14 |
| Total carrying distance | 130.1 m |
| Carries | 11 |
| Progressive carries | 6 |
| Total progression | 104.6 m |
| Progressive carrying distance | 100.9 m |
| Longest progressive carry | 27.2 m |
| Def. contributions | 3 |
| Tackles (won) | 3 (1) |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Clearances | 0 |
| Blocked shots | 0 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
| Ground duels (won) | 10 (7) |
| Dribbled past | 2 |
match stats via sofascore
The England international managed four shots, with the Ipswich keeper keeping out his spectacular volley in the second half.
The United No.9 had the most touches in the opposition box (7) and he successfully completed two dribbles (all stats via sofascore).
Great work without the ball as well
Marcus Rashford also completed three key passes, and he was desperately unlucky not to grab an assist as Mbeumo’s effort struck the bar.
He found a teammate with two out of three long balls, and won two free-kicks for his side. What was most impressive, however, was his work off the ball.
The attacker has often been accused of laziness when tracking back and for not working hard enough for the team out of possession.
That was certainly not the case on Sunday. Marcus Rashford won seven ground duels, recovered the ball twice and made one brilliant tackle before his eventual substitution.
Carrick will be delighted with Marcus Rashford
The Old Trafford faithful rose to applaud their local hero, and Michael Carrick was delighted to see the reception his left-winger received.
After a decent cameo against Hull, Marcus Rashford will be pleased with his display against Ipswich. But now, he will need to produce even more in the weeks to come if he is to truly win over the fanbase after a difficult last couple of years.
Feature image Dan Mullan via Getty Images
