Rasmus Hojlund transfer has given Marcus Rashford a new role at Manchester United

After plundering his first goal of the season in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Liverpool last August, few would have anticipated Marcus Rashford bagging another 29 before the end of the campaign.

The Reds academy graduate went into last term following a forgettable 2021/22 campaign, in which he scored a paltry five goals in all competitions. His United future was at a crossroads and talk of a move elsewhere did not come as a surprise.

Fortunately for United and Rashford, however, Erik ten Hag turned up when he did, put an arm around the 25-year-old and made it clear to him just how important he would be in his plans. The England international started the campaign steadily, offering glimpses of his true capabilities, before exploding into life after the World Cup break.

His form immediately after the showpiece event in Qatar made him, at that time, one of the most in-form and deadliest players on the planet. Everything he touched turned to goals and there was no way of stopping him.

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His career had been reborn by Ten Hag and he was playing with a smile on his face again, just months after some United supporters had raised genuine concerns for his welfare, such were the depths that his performance levels had plummeted to. Rashford, suddenly, had become United's main man, carrying the team on his own at certain junctures throughout the season.

That, however, was surprising when you consider that he started the season with Cristiano Ronaldo, 13 years his senior, and Anthony Martial, 27, alongside him in attack.