The Cristiano Ronaldo factor behind Marcus Rashford's Manchester United rise

Marcus Rashford has plundered 28 goals this season in a standout Manchester United season, and Cristiano Ronaldo's departure may have helped the striker along.

Ronaldo departed shortly before the World Cup, leaving on a free transfer and ultimately joining Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. His second spell at United ended sourly with the Portugal legend cutting a frustrated figure and conducting a critical interview with Piers Morgan.

Erik ten Hag's side have impressed and developed without Ronaldo, with Rashford central to the revival. United have already lifted the Carabao Cup and remain in contention for the FA Cup and Europa League.

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And former England international Steven Warnock, believes Rashford's form has been helped by Ronaldo - both when he was at Old Trafford and since he left.

"Ronaldo might have rubbed off on him," said Warnock, speaking on Five Live. "Rashford will have seen what hard work and dedication can lead to but then it's down to him to do it so huge credit to him for wanting to get better.

"Once Ronaldo was moved out, Rashford became the main man and a lot can crumble having that weight and expectation on their shoulders. He's embraced it."

Warnock also feels Ten Hag and his staff deserve credit for the improvement in Rashford's game. The forward, who left the field injured during the weekend win over Everton, has come on immensely under the Duthcman's tutelage.

"The manager and his staff have created the right atmosphere," added Warnock. "They have worked with him physically and mentally, and he has come on leaps and bounds."

United will be hoping Rashford's injury is not a serious one with a Europa League last eight first leg tie with Sevilla coming