Manchester United are through to the next round after a hard-fought-for win against Everton.
United at times had to weather the storm and did so brilliantly to emerge 3-1 winners against the Toffees.
United got their goals through Antony, an own-goal from Conor Coady and a penalty from Marcus Rashford.
Again, as in recent weeks, Rashford stole the show. Beyond his stoppage-time penalty, it was Rashford’s incredible contribution that forced United’s second goal.
His powerful cross on the outside hit Coady to go past a helpless Jordan Pickford.
Rashford predominantly played on the left before Alejandro Garnacho’s introduction which saw the Englishman moved up top to play as the number nine.
Speaking after the game, Arsenal legend Ian Wright heaped praise on the United number ten and credited his frame of mind for his red-hot form.
Wright said, “He is in a different frame of mind. The manager has come in and is playing a brand of football that suits him.”
“He [Rashford] knows exactly what he is doing. He’s had a break and he’s fit.”
Wright added, “The club is starting to turn a corner in terms of where they are going. He is one of the main reasons behind what they are doing.”
Wright’s sentiments were echoed by United legend Roy Keane who said that Rashford is slowly becoming United’s main man.
Keane remarked that Rashford is playing with confidence which is helping him meet expectations and hit the high standards expected of a United forward.
“The beauty of tonight, is that is what I expect from him,” Keane said.
“I’m not surprised by his performance tonight. He is becoming one of main players for United. Can he get them back to competing for trophies?”
Manchester United ‘agree loan deal for Vincent Aboubakar’
Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr to sign striker Vincent Aboubakar on loan.
The Red Devils are in the market for a new centre-forward after terminating Cristiano Ronaldo‘s contract at the end of last month, with the 37-year-old having since linked up with Aboubakar at Al-Nassr.
Aboubakar, formerly of Porto and Besiktas, has spent the last 18 months with Al-Nassr and has scored 13 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, including four strikes in 12 games so far this season.
The 30-year-old recently captained Cameroon at the 2022 World Cup and scored a memorable goal in a surprise 1-0 group-stage win over Brazil.
A recent report claims that Man United have been ‘alerted’ by Aboubakar’s availability, with Al-Nassr prepared to let the experienced striker leave on loan.
Al-Nassr have exceeded the limit for non-Saudi Arabian players in their first-team squad following the arrival of Ronaldo and they cannot register the Portuguese legend until one of their remaining seven foreign players leaves the club.
According to Saudi Arabian news outlet OKAZ, the Red Devils and Turkish giants Fenerbahce have an agreement in place to take Aboubakar on loan, with the striker expected to favour a move to the Premier League.
Aboubakar’s potential temporary switch to Old Trafford would not only strengthen Erik ten Hag‘s options in attack, but would also allow Ronaldo to be officially registered by Al-Nassr.
Prior to the World Cup, Aboubakar spoke highly of his own abilities and believes he can perform a better level than Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah.
“It makes sense that when you go on about a player like that, people will talk. But I did say that it was my opinion, my point of view.
“I don’t give a toss if people don’t like it – I’m not impressed by him. I can do what he does. I just don’t have the opportunity to play in a big club.”
It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag will attempt to recruit another attack-minded player should he secure the services of Aboubakar, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial currently the only two centre-forward options at his disposal.
Former Red Devils forward Memphis Depay has been linked with a possible return to Old Trafford, with his long-term future at Barcelona believed to be uncertain.
Borussia Monchengladbach‘s Marcus Thuram and Atletico Madrid‘s Joao Felix are two more attackers who could be on the move in January, although it is understood that United are unwilling to sign the latter for the £18.5m fee that the Spanish club are after to sanction a loan deal.
Ten Hag is set to prioritise the addition of a centre-forward this month after acquiring the services of back-up goalkeeper Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace.
Source: thepeoplesperson.com
