Manchester United and Marcus Rashford are continually improving thanks to the departure of ‘problem’ forward Cristiano Ronaldo, according to English football pundit and former player, Garth Crooks.
Ronaldo, who confirmed his acrimonious exit from Old Trafford in November after delivering a bombshell interview slamming the club alongside Piers Morgan, has since moved to Al-Nassr in pursuit of a fresh start.
Since, Rashford has netted eight goals in nine league appearances for United and propelled Erik ten Hag’s side into third spot, five points behind leaders Arsenal and two behind local rivals Manchester City.
The Red Devils have also consolidated their position in the top four and look on course to secure Champions League football next season, five points ahead of Newcastle in fourth and seven in front of chasers Tottenham.
Crooks is convinced the fruitful run of form is directly linked to Ronaldo’s departure, as Rashford is “no longer playing second fiddle” to someone fixated on his past.
He told BBC Sport: “I think it’s very telling that Manchester United’s results have continually improved since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo – and so has Rashford’s presence in the team.
“Rashford no longer has to play second fiddle to a player desperate to hang on to former glories, who has far more interest in himself than the team. The problem has been removed.”
The England international struck a crucial late opener against Leeds on Sunday as Manchester United edged out a hard-fought 2-0 victory at Old Trafford, with substitute Alejandro Garnacho netting the second in the 85th minute.
The win temporarily soared United above City in the table ahead of the champions’ late kick-off against Aston Villa, and Pep Guardiola’s side made no mistake in reclaiming their position, beating the visitors 3-1 at the Etihad.
Whilst very much outsiders compared to City having played an extra fixture, the Red Devils are just a few results away from being genuine contenders in the Premier League title race, with Arsenal dropping five points against Everton and Brentford in their last two matches.
Ten Hag will be desperate for Rashford to keep up his fine form ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle later this month, which offers the Dutchman his first shot at silverware since arriving in Manchester.
-—MailOnline
