Dustin Gandof
Manchester United’s Part-Time Duo Fill in the Gap left by Rashford
Missing a crucial player in a team can hugely affect their performance, more so when that player is as significant as Marcus Rashford was for Manchester United. However, in the recent game between Manchester United and Tottenham, Anthony Martial stepped into Rashford’s shoes to lead the team to victory, inching them closer to their qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
The Absence of Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford’s importance to the Manchester United team cannot be understated. An injury he sustained led to his absence, and many wondered how the team would perform without him. Rashford’s speed and clinical ability upfront would be missed.
The Part-Time Duo
Facing a tough match against Tottenham, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted for a front three of Mason Greenwood, Edinson Cavani, and Anthony Martial. Martial, who had not completed a league game since January 2021, stepped up to fill the gap left by Marcus Rashford.
Interestingly, Martial started on the right flank, a position he seldom played, but the change in position did not stop him from putting in a good performance. He came close to scoring twice in the first half, with his first attempt hitting the crossbar.
Antony also played a significant role in the game. Despite being a part-time player, he has the same creative stats as Harry Maguire, highlighting his importance in the team, making things happen from the midfield.
The Game
Manchester United had a slow start to the game, with Tottenham being more dominant in the opening stages. However, their persistence paid off, with Martial finally breaking the deadlock in the 33rd minute. Fred played a one-two with Cavani at the edge of the box, and his pass found Martial free at the back post. The French striker made no mistake and found the back of the net, sending the Old Trafford crowd into frenzy.
Tottenham tried to mount a comeback, with Son Heung-Min’s equalizer in the 40th minute, but in the second half, United had things under control. A goal from Mason Greenwood in the 84th minute sealed the victory for United.
The Implications
With this win, Manchester United is now second on the English Premier League table, with a five-point lead over fifth-placed West Ham. The top four teams on the table qualify for the UEFA Champions League, and United now has control of their destiny. This victory was crucial in their quest to qualify for the competition and highlighted the importance of having a solid squad capable of filling in the gaps left by missing players.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s victory over Tottenham showed the importance of having a solid squad, with part-time players capable of stepping up and delivering when called upon. With Rashford injured, United will rely on players like Martial and Antony to keep up their good work and inch them closer to their UEFA Champions League qualification.
