Marcus Rashford back among the goals after barren spell as Manchester United youngster stakes a claim for starting place in EFL Cup finalĀ 

  • Manchester United faced Blackburn Rovers for a place in FA Cup quarter-finalĀ 
  • Marcus Rashford started for United, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic only on the bench
  • Youngster opened the scoring, netting for first time since FA Cup third round
  • Rashford has now staked a claim to start in next weekend's EFL Cup finalĀ 

Jose Mourinho spun on his heels, clenched a fist and celebrated a fine equaliser, one which offered a glimpse of Manchester United's electrifying speed when they start motoring.

It started with a quick bowl out by Sergio Romero, Henrikh Mkhitaryan flicking past a marker and from there United had opened Ewood Park up.

Mkhitaryan drove through midfield before slipping an exquisite ball through to Marcus Rashford - on the shoulder, where he should always be stationed.

Marcus Rashford rounded Jason Steele to draw Manchester United level against Blackburn

Marcus Rashford rounded Jason Steele to draw Manchester United level against Blackburn

Until Sunday, Rashford had only scored twice since September - both in the FA Cup vs Reading

Until Sunday, Rashford had only scored twice since September - both in the FA Cup vs Reading

Rashford has now staked his claim to start for Manchester United in the EFL Cup final

Rashford has now staked his claim to start for Manchester United in the EFL Cup final

From there the 19-year-old was not missing, racing clear of the Blackburn back four and rounding Jason Steele to spare away blushes after Mourinho's defence had earlier been carved up.


From goalkeeper to Blackburn's net in a matter of seconds, it was vintage United and evidence that the new terrace chant about Mourinho 'playing the United way' holds weight.

They can be slick, carefree with their movement but Mourinho will still want much more from a foursome who started this game together for the very first time.

Rashford looked busy, Mkhitaryan having his moments too. Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial were desperate for involvement, which occasionally saw United play too narrow.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic started on the bench, but he came on to rescue his side in the second halfĀ 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic started on the bench, but he came on to rescue his side in the second halfĀ 

The pair came off their flanks regularly before the break, inhibiting the visitors somewhat and made for congestion. In turn, everything became that little bit too intricate for Rashford to stretch his legs in behind.

But 'the kid' - as Mourinho labels him - will be pleased with this. Another FA Cup goal to add to the two he notched against Reading last month and that finish was much needed.

There have been occasions over the last few weeks where Rashford has not looked completely confident in front of goal, but here his finish was clinical.

Anthony Martial failed to hit the heights of the last fortnight in Sunday's game at Ewood Park

Anthony Martial failed to hit the heights of the last fortnight in Sunday's game at Ewood Park

Mourinho will want more of the same and that the England international led the line well, up against the physical Gordon Greer, was encouraging.

For his part, Rashford is happy with life at Old Trafford. He is being asked to focus more on his all-round game in training but the hope is that makes him a complete striker.

It is understood Rashford and his representatives are content with his current package - money is said not to be a problem - and Mourinho wants to nurture his talent.

United's cavalry came on in the second half, with Paul Pogba setting up Ibrahimovic's winner

United's cavalry came on in the second half, with Paul Pogba setting up Ibrahimovic's winner

Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen, and Rashford was back out on the left once Zlatan Ibrahimovic was introduced, but for now the signs are good, even if the goals had dried up.

He and Mkhitaryan were United's brightest going forward on Sunday evening and it says a lot that both Martial and Lingard were the two hooked just after the hour with this game still level.

Martial failed to hit the heights of the last fortnight, while Lingard did not grasp the opportunity afforded him and will have to make do with a place on the bench at Wembley next week.

Rashford, though, staked a claim to be named in the XI who face Southampton - even if United needed Ibrahimovic to nudge them through. Not for the first time.

Jose Mourinho now has a decision to make over who starts in the EFL Cup final at Wembley

Jose Mourinho now has a decision to make over who starts in the EFL Cup final at Wembley

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