“He’s got him on toast.”
In the current form Marcus Rashford finds himself, there are not many defenders that would fancy facing him. Seamus Coleman gave it his all against the Manchester United star but Roy Keane reckons even peak Coleman would have struggled.
Rashford was named Man of the Match by Lee Dixon, on ITV, after an FA Cup performance that saw him assist two goals and add an injury time penalty in a 3-1 win over Everton. Since returning from a World Cup in which he scored three times, Rashford has found the net five times in five United games, and chipped in with three assists.
Facing off against Rashford at Old Trafford, on Friday, was 34-year-old Everton captain Seamus Coleman. Having been on the bench for the midweek league loss to Brighton, Frank Lampard restored Coleman to his starting XI for the cup tie. The Ireland international had a few good interceptions and clearances but was exposed by Rashford for United’s second goal.
Following the game, Roy Keane spoke about the Rashford vs. Coleman sub-plot and while the comments read harsh in black and white, the former Ireland captain was more stating facts than anything too pointed.
Roy Keane on Seamus Coleman
Manchester United were level at 1-1 with Everton at half-time. Roy Keane, despite ripping into their squad for having ‘really bad’ players before the game, felt they could continue to give the hosrs trouble if they kept up their high work-rate in the second half.
As it transpired, Marcus Rashford evaded Seamus Coleman and got to the byline to fire in a cross that Conor Coady diverted into his own net. Rashford has embraced that direct running and dribbling side of his game and it bore fruit, on more that that own goal occasion.
Following the game, Keane paid credit to Rashford as he highlighted Coleman’s struggle on the go-ahead goal. He commented:
“When Marcus got the ball, we had a great view from where we were sitting and I was thinking, ‘Everton are in trouble here, now. And, particularly, Seamus Coleman is in trouble’.
“Marcus is going to decide what happens here. Seamus can’t do anything about it. Even a 20-year-old Seamus, you cannot defend that. I think it is just brilliant play. He’s just too quick… you can’t stop the really good players when they are on form and Seamus, he’s got him on toast there.”
In fairness to Coleman, he rebounded after that goal and looked to have played Demarai Gray through for an assist on a Dominic Calvert-Lewin equaliser, only for VAR to rule out the goal.
United boss Erik ten Hag spoke about the in-form Rashford with reporters after his side’s win. “As a team,” he said, “we have to make sure we create the space, playing to his strengths.
“That is about Marcus doing really well but also the team, getting into the shapes. I think he is unstoppable with his speed, his dribbles and his directness.”
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