Marcus Rashford says there is no time to dwell on England’s premature World Cup exit or the debate over whether he should have been more involved in the defeat in quarter-final against France.
Rashford was back in action for Manchester United 11 days after ending his spell in Qatar by curling in an injury-time free kick over the French bar.
There was no sense of a hangover from the striker, which provided the highlight from a 2-0 EFL Cup win over Championship side Burnley by scoring a superb solo goal, sinking his shot into the bottom corner after beating two defenders at the end of a run that started 10 yards inside his own half.
“There is no time for self-pity,” Rashford told Sky Sports.
“It’s more emotional because it was such a disappointing feeling to be knocked out [of the World Cup]. You have to get up and we did that today.”
The manner of Rashford’s goal only fuels the argument that his introduction against France, just five minutes from time, did not give him enough time to make a significant impact.
Rashford left Qatar as England’s top scorer and his latest effort took the 25-year-old to nine for the season at United.
Manager Erik ten Hag chose not to get involved in the England debate. But he believes Rashford can make a significant impact at club level this season.
“I can’t comment on that. [England],” he said.
“He’s in great form for us and I hope he can keep his focus and his performance. His performance is improving a lot from game to game.
“He’s a constant threat, but he’s also scored a lot of goals and done a lot of work in defence. I’m really happy with his performance.”
Ten Hag has confirmed that Rashford’s England team-mate Harry Maguire missed the match due to illness.
The United boss is unsure whether Maguire will be fit enough for the December 27 encounter with Nottingham Forest and says the situation will be monitored over the coming hours and days.
A future at Old Trafford for Wan-Bissaka?
There was also positivity around Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The £50m former Crystal Palace man appeared to be surplus to United’s requirements, with injury limiting him to just one four-minute substitute appearance this season ahead of the Burnley game.
However, after claiming his first assist since May 2021 when the 25-year-old superbly clipped Bruno Fernandes’ cross pass into the path of Christian Eriksen, which put United ahead, Wan-Bissaka produced a mature performance and Ten Hag says the full-back has a role to play this season.
“It’s clear he has a future,” Ten Hag said. “He had good years but this season he had a lot of illnesses and injuries.
“Since the restart he’s been fit and he’s been able to train with the team and you see him improving. His fitness levels are improving, his performance levels are improving and the assist, especially the way he gave the assist, at the right time and with the timing, means I’m happy with his performance.”
