MARCUS RASHFORD smashed Manchester United into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a sumptuous free-kick against Chelsea.
The striker announced his dramatic return to form with a brace for England a fortnight ago and he hasn’t stopped scoring since.
A first-half penalty was followed by the sort of powerhouse free-kick he has been trying to score for years – cancelling out Michy Batshuayi’s long-range leveller.
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men…
Sergio Romero – 5
A quiet evening between the sticks for Romero. Like Caballero, he could not be blamed for the goal which was perfectly placed into the corner.
Victor Lindelof – 5
Look assured on the right of the back three but could not do anything to stop Batshuayi as he raced through the United half to score. Subbed off for Martial as United went looking for a winner, and they found it.
Harry Maguire – 6
Remembered his duties as captain this time by heading straight to the centre circle after the handshakes. Then led by example with a typically dominant performance but for the moment he was beaten by Batshuayi and could not get back to prevent the equaliser.
Marcos Rojo – 7
Was not really troubled by Chelsea’s attackers – but felt the full force of an angry Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The gaffer was constantly berating his Argentine defender in the first half, demanding more and more. And he delivered duly with some great defending, crucial blocks and riling of the opposition.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Still learning this wing-back role but offered more in the opening stages than he has done in recent weeks. His main task was to keep the Chelsea wingers quiet and he did that well.
Scott McTominay – 7
Booked early on for a heavy sliding challenge early on Kovacic then peeled away at a corner to flash a shot into the side netting. His presence in midfield is becoming crucial for United, especially with the man next to him offering nothing.
Fred – 4
Was totally anonymous for the first quarter of an hour with his first memorable touch a miscontrol that went straight out from a throw and then went missing for the rest of the game. Most interesting thing he did was getting booked for taking an age over a free-kick. Poor again.
Jesse Lingard – 5
Drifted between a No10 role and on the left of Rashford. Was unlucky not to win an early free-kick on the edge when he very honestly tried to stay on his feet.
Brandon Williams – 8
Made a crucial interception to deny a Gilmour through ball reaching Hudson-Odoi but was lucky to get away with his naughty drag on the England winger, sending him clattering into the front row. Overall won his battle convincingly.
Daniel James – 6
Responded to a kick up the bum from one of the coaches by driving into the box and drawing the foul from Alonso. Was often the man furthest forward as Rashford dropped in to get on the ball.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Missed from the spot at Carrow Road on Sunday but was trusted to step up again – and made no mistake, slotting into the corner and sending Caballero the wrong way. He was relatively quiet for the next 50 minutes before sticking his wobbling, wicked free-kick into the top corner. A stunning goal worthy of winning any match, let alone a cup tie at Stamford Bridge.
