The year of Marcus Rashford continued Thursday as the Manchester United forward scored the lone goal against Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarín, giving the Red Devils a 5-1 aggregate victory and easy passage to the Europa League quarterfinals.
Before the World Cup, Rashford had a total of eight goals in 19 appearances across all competitions. Since the tournament in Qatar, the 25-year-old has found the back of the net 18 times in 24 games. The total of 26 from 43 is already a career best and the Red Devils are still competing on three fronts.
The numbers tell a story, but the goals themselves really paint the picture. On Thursday night, Rashford produced a 25-yard screamer like it was a simple two-yard tap-in.
Goalkeeper Rui Silva was beaten as soon as the Englishman dialed up this attempt.
Marcus Rashford goal vs Real Betis
AN UNREAL STRIKE FROM MARCUS RASHFORD. pic.twitter.com/KvWStuTYa5
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 16, 2023
No competition has been safe from Rashford since the World Cup. The breakdown:
- 12 Premier League games, 10 goals
- 4 Europa League games, 3 goals
- 3 FA Cup games, 1 goal
- 5 EFL Cup games, 4 goals (and the trophy)
Manchester United learn their quarterfinal opponent at Friday's draw. Juventus, Feyenoord and Sevilla are the other confirmed quarterfinalists ahead of Thursday's late games.
