Three quick thoughts from Manchester United’s 1-0 Premier League win over Hull City on Saturday at the KCOM Stadium.
1. Rashford’s late heroics keep Man United perfect
Jose Mourinho stood with the rain pouring on him and wondering how he could break a deadlock against a dogged, newly promoted Hull City side. It looked like the answer would not come as the game entered its closing minutes.
Mourinho had made a crucial change with 20 minutes to go, though, perhaps later than he should have done. Marcus Rashford, often the saviour for Mourinho’s predecessor Louis van Gaal, came on and won the game in added time, again in the right place at the right time.
Rashford’s demotion to the bench has been extremely harsh this season considering his progress in the last campaign, for United and England, but typically he delivered when it mattered as his chance came at Hull. Wayne Rooney has been keeping the 18-year-old out of the side and this was another underwhelming display from the England captain, although he redeemed himself at the death by delivering for Rashford to finish.
It was cruel for Hull, who had defended so diligently and repelled United’s efforts for so long. From the early stages of the game, United had laboured against a home team who showed the organisation that earned them wins in their opening two Premier League games.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was battling to make a difference and he sent a header on to the top of the netting, from Anthony Martial’s cross, leading to premature celebrations from away fans who thought the ball had gone in. It was the last time that they cheered that loud — until the raucous celebrations sparked by Rashford’s goal.
