FROM SULKY
Last-gasp hero Rash has that grinning feeling again after
THE sulk and sullen looks were replaced by a beaming smile as Marcus Rashford took ‘Fergie time’ to new heights.
There have been some huge finishes at this place down the years but just a couple of seconds after a despondent West Ham kicked off again it was all over.
Sir Alex looked on from the main stand with that knowing look – after all his side have the patent for stunning football climaxes.
One thing he didn’t have to contend with in his era was the almost interminable wait for VAR to confirm the glory.
And Rashford and company saw their ecstasy put on hold as Stockley Park entered the building with Edinson Cavani under suspicion of being offside.
It was the three substitutes who combined to leave West Ham’s Declan Rice and his stunned team-mates shaking their heads as they made their way to the Old Trafford tunnel.
Anthony Martial, booed on his entrance, caressed a pass from Cristiano Ronaldo, steam coming out of his ears at United’s failure to break down the Hammers’ defensive barrier. It was then on to Cavani who spurted to the byline before crossing for Rashford to apply the final touch.
So cruel on David Moyes’ side who saw United leapfrog them into the top four but Rashford wasn’t in the mood for sending condolences.
This is someone who has been taken to task for looking as if all the enjoyment has gone from his game, weighed down by outside pressures.
But after his second goal in two games – he also struck in the 3-1 win over Brentford – he said: “It is obviously an important goal and such late on it’s an amazing feeling.
“We could have been a bit better on the ball but managed to get the goal we needed and we can use that as motivation now.
“Consecutive wins can start you on a run and that gives everyone confidence.”
It was the first time United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has won successive games since arriving at the club. “To say you are going to score in the last second of the game is unrealistic,” Rangnick (right) said. “But if you score then there is no time for your opponents to reply.
“Yes it’s nice to be told of ‘Fergie time’ but I would rather be 3-0 up as we were against Brentford.”
On Rashford he added: “He is one of the best strikers in England. He has the pace, the skills, the physique.
“Those two goals would have raised his confidence.
It’s about him c that now.”
Rice, who had a himself into the the battle for at le said: “A draw was a But to be naive lik give away a goal in seconds is devast
Moyes couldn’ bitter disappoint form striker Jarr (right) was thwar
Harry Maguire & Co. “I’m p **** d off with this result for sure,” said Moyes. “It’s a result that is really hard to take.”
The Hammers had frustrated United sparking the Stretford End into chants of ‘attack, attack, attack’ although Ronaldo had a decent claim for a 36thminute penalty after Kurt Zouma sent him sprawling as he moved onto a lofted ball from Alex Telles.
Referee Jon Moss didn’t agree and received an earful from the aggrieved Portuguese who was desperate to make an impression after his substitution and strop in midweek at Brentford.
A trademark Ronaldo goal seemed on the cards though as he reacted quicker than the Hammers defence to a brilliant cross from Bruno Fernandes, the most likely United creator in a first half lacking ideas. But with just Alphonse Areola in front of him the ball barely skimmed off the top of his lunging head and to safety.
It appeared to be that sort of afternoon as chances came and went – until a revitalised Rashford showed up.