Middlesbrough 1-3 Manchester United: Three things we learnt

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Rashford continues to prove his growing potential

One man who is thriving in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is England striker Marcus Rashford, once again deployed in a forward role by Jose Mourinho for the trip to the Riverside Stadium this weekend.

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The 19-year-old has been playing more of a supporting role to the experienced Swede this season after bursting onto the scene last year, but after impressing against Chelsea in the FA Cup last week he showed his burgeoning potential once more during an impressive display of lightning pace against Middlesbrough.

Within the opening ten minutes, he showed exactly why he has been such an asset for United over the past year, bursting onto a through ball and out-pacing Bernardo before seeing his effort saved.

His raw pace and willingness to run in behind the Middlesbrough defence paid dividends all afternoon, giving Bernardo a torrid time, and he looked like he could create an opportunity every time he was on the ball; the England striker was thwarted by ex-United man Victor Valdes on a number of times.

Although teammate Jesse Lingard stole the limelight in the second-half with a good display, Rashford completed 100% of his take ons, creating four clear chances and having three shots on goal.

If he can add a clinical nature to his raw talent, he could prove to be a massive part of the spine of Manchester United’s side for many years to come – and the England national side too.