Gary Neville highlights Cristiano Ronaldo influence for Rashford goal

ten Hag coy on if Ronaldo will keep Man Utd starting spot

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Manchester United icon Gary Neville has explained the potential role that Cristiano Ronaldo had to play in Marcus Rashford’s goal against West Ham. The England international gave Erik ten Hag’s side the lead as he powered home a header from Christian Eriksen’s floated cross to the back post.

While Ronaldo was not directly involved in the move, Neville suggested that Rashford having Ronaldo with him in training could have played a part as the Portuguese striker has been known for his powerful headed goals in the past. 

“I’ve not seen Rashford do that too many times,” Neville said on Sky Sports commentary. “He’s got one of the best headers in the world to watch in training in Cristiano Ronaldo. That was just like him. It’s delicious, the ball from Eriksen he just drifts it into an area, the right-back is static, Rashford on the move.”

The goal was Rashford’s seventh of the season, as he attacked the ball from the left and towered over Thilo Kehrer to score. He has played down the middle on occasion this campaign, but was moved out to the left as Ronaldo was restored to the starting lineup, and Anthony Elanga completed the attacking trio.

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The goal was Rashford’s 100th for United, and he impressed former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp with his header. “I like the double movement, Eriksen plays it around the corner to lose [Tomas] Soucek, lovely link-up with [Bruno] Fernandes,” Redknapp said. “He plays a delightful pass for Rashford – go on get your head on that. What a header, I genuinely didn’t think he had that in his locker. For me, that’s a magnificent header.”

Redknapp was not the only one impressed with Rashford for the goal, as former England winger Chris Waddle claimed the header will give him confidence going forward as he attempts to make Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup.

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“That class of Eriksen, cross to the far post, the timing of the header was perfect,” Waddle told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Man United have just edged it, West Ham have quite a bit of work to do to get back into this game.

“It wasn’t an easy header. Kehrer, the full back didn’t know where Rashford was, he never jumped. Rashford just got there nice and early and the power of the header, the goalkeeper had no chance. It was just a great goal.

“Marcus Rashford has been playing ok for Man United. That goal will give him a lot of confidence. We know he has ability, he has power and pace and he can play a number of positions and that does help.”

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