Rashford: The end goal remains the same

Scoring his 28th club goal of the 2022/23 campaign against Brentford at Old Trafford this evening, Marcus lashed home the game's only goal after 27 minutes at the Theatre of Dreams.

Having been neatly played in via Marcel Sabitzer's cushioned header, our red-hot forward coolly dispatched his effort past David Raya, helping Erik ten Hag's side secure a vital three points and thus getting back on track in the Premier League.

Entering into the key period within our season, Marcus insisted it was good to get back to winning ways following our disappointing reverse at St James' Park on Sunday.

''I think it is just important to win the next game, I think we played some good football today and created some decent chances against a team that are quite difficult to break down,'' began Rashford as he spoke to MUTV's Stewart Gardner.

''As they have shown, I think that's their first loss in 15/16 games, they are a difficult team to break down and I think, in the first half, we were creating some decent chances, [but] nothing quite solid.

''Obviously, then when you get the goal, it starts to open up a bit more and we had some better chances in the second half.''

With Thomas Frank's men applying more pressure during the second 45 minutes in M16, the Reds defended resolutely to claim a vital three points, with the victory lifting us back into the Premier League's top-four places in the process.

Praising our backline's display, Marcus also accepted he would rather win by a bigger margin overall than what we saw this evening.

''It's not as a nice feeling to win 1-0 as I would rather win 3-0,'' Rashford added. ''There's always a nice atmosphere [in the dressing room] after a 1-0 win because it means we have defended well throughout the game and, after the last game, that's what we need as well, to keep a clean sheet.

''I think we have been good at home this season, we have played some good football away from home but, at times, we have not got the result.

''As always, the most important thing is getting the three points and we have to find a way to do that away from home and get the ball rolling on the road. Hopefully, we can do but the home form has been good.''

Operating both down the middle and out wide against the Bees, Marcus once again showed his adaptability for the side and reflected on just what is expected of him as a United player.

''It doesn't change too much for me, I try to run in behind and find the space and also create spaces for other players on the pitch,'' added the England star.

''Whether I am playing on the left, right or down the middle, the end goal remains the same to try to get goals and assists to help the team.

''A different position but not a different mindset.''