Marcus Rashford answered Rio Ferdinand challenge in 162 second-spell for Manchester United

As the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire. Marcus Rashford was smouldering in any case, but now he can really proclaim himself to be among the hottest properties in Europe.

Rashford had already underlined his improvements for Manchester United before earning a first-class ticket to the World Cup with England this winter. After his three goals on the biggest stage - despite only being handed one start there - the ascent has been steeper than ever before.

Everything the Academy graduate has touched since boarding his return flight has turned to goals. United will need their golden boy to continue his purple patch in order to spearhead their quest for silver.

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Of course, man-of-the-moment Rashford has not been alone in breaking previous personal bests since Erik ten Hag was appointed as manager, but his 22nd goal of the season against Barcelona was symbolic for more reasons than purely its iconic setting - although he did point to that himself post-match.

Coming up 24 years since Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lit up the Nou Camp on that night in '99, the star shining brightest right now defined and underlined his own career high to date, at least from an individual perspective. He took to Twitter after the final whistle to pay homage to those two.

It was a goal which moved Rashford level with his most prolific season (2019/2020) and in nine matches fewer. It is not a question of if, or when, but how many.

Although there has never been any doubt about his ability, Rashford and his credentials as goal-getter in chief is something that has drawn question marks - perhaps justifiably until this campaign. But while United still need a main striker to complement