Marcus Rashford continues his resurrection as Manchester United sparkle against Arsenal

A true hometown hero tale was in danger of having the most unhappy ending as Marcus Rashford’s own people turned against him last season.

A palpable lack of desire and effort on the pitch from Rashford was the final straw for Manchester United supporters, who had washed their hands of the once promising starlet, confining him to the long, long list of players not quite good enough for a club of their grandeur.

Yet, there has been a second coming, and it could not have been more perfectly timed. The decisive goal against Liverpool last month was followed by a crucial double against Arsenal to help his side triumph 3-1 on Sunday and make it four wins on the bounce. The fact it was against the team where it all began for a fresh-faced Rashford six years ago made it all the sweeter.

"It is always a big game against Arsenal, especially as they have had such a good start to the season," Rashford told Sky Sports.

"It was a big test for us today. We showed up and stood up to the challenge. We can be proud if ourselves. It is good to get into a rhythm.

"They are a good team and know their principles of play and are very good at it. It is what we expected. I thought it was an even game. There were big spaces in the first half we couldn't exploit. We managed to do that in the second half."

During both United and Arsenal’s halcyon days under Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger's respective reigns, clashes between the pair had the same pull as El Clasico around the globe, with the feuding giants more often than not putting on a sizzling show as both vied for the Premier League title.

Four wins in a row for the Reds! ➕3️⃣#MUFC || #MUNARS

Both have fallen well below the levels of that era, but Arsenal’s visit to Old Trafford was more