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Marcus Rashford is in the best shape of his life because he ‘doesn’t have to play second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo anymore’, insists Garth Crooks, who claims the former hopeful was the PROBLEM at Man United as he was ‘desperate to hold on to past glories. ‘
- Marcus Rashford has scored eight league goals in nine games for Man United
- Garth Crooks believes that his successful run is related to the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo
- The pundit believes United “eliminated the problem” by getting rid of the 38-year-old.
Manchester United and Marcus Rashford are continually improving thanks to the departure of ‘troublesome’ striker Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Garth Crooks.
Ronaldo, who confirmed his acrimonious departure from Old Trafford in November after giving an explosive interview criticizing the club alongside Piers Morgan, has since moved to Al-Nassr in search of a fresh start.
Since then, Rashford has scored eight goals in nine league appearances for United and has led Erik ten Hag’s side to third place, five points behind leaders Arsenal and two behind local rivals Manchester City.
The Red Devils have also cemented their position in the top four and are looking to secure Champions League football next season, five points ahead of fourth-placed Newcastle and seven ahead of pursuers Tottenham.
Crooks is convinced that the fruitful run is directly related to Ronaldo’s departure, as Rashford “no longer plays second fiddle” to someone obsessed with his past.
Marcus Rashford is in the shape of his life thanks to the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, says Garth Crooks
The BBC sports pundit urged that Rashford “no longer play second fiddle” to the megastar.
He said bbc sport: ‘I think it’s very revealing that Manchester United’s results have continuously improved since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, as has Rashford’s presence in the team.
“Rashford no longer has to play second fiddle to a player desperate to hold on to his former glory, who has far more interest in himself than in the team. The problem has been eliminated.’
The England international scored a crucial late opening goal against Leeds on Sunday as Manchester United overcame a hard-fought 2-0 win at Old Trafford, with substitute Alejandro Garnacho scoring the second in the 85th minute.
The win temporarily lifted United above City in the table ahead of the champions’ late kick-off against Aston Villa, and Pep Guardiola’s side made no mistake in regaining their position, beating the visitors 3-1 in the Etihad.
While very odd compared to City who played an extra game, the Red Devils are just a few results away from being true contenders in the Premier League title race, with Arsenal losing five points against Everton and Brentford in their last two matches.
Ten Hag will be desperate for Rashford to maintain his fine form ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle later this month, offering the Dutchman his first chance at a title since coming to Manchester.
The Portuguese striker completed his acrimonious departure from Manchester United in November
Since then, Rashford has scored eight league goals in nine games for the in-form Red Devils.