With a spin and a ruthless finish, Marcus Rashford immediately began to repay Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s faith in him.
The Manchester United striker’s 60th-minute finish set up a 2-0 win against Perth Glory here in the Optus Stadium – and was evidence of the killer instinct Solskjaer believes will make him a 25-goal a season man.
Rashford has been told he will lead United’s attack next term – prompting Romelu Lukaku to seek an exit from Old Trafford this summer.
And as Lukaku sat out the opening game of the club’s pre-season tour to Australia and the Far East, Rashford ensured Solskjaer got off to a winning start.
It was a moment of class orchestrated by Paul Pogba’s back heel on the edge of the box.
As the ball rolled into the area, Rashford turned in a flash and drove a first-time effort past Liam Reddy.
James Garner doubled United’s lead with four minutes to go – shooting from 20 yards to beat substitute keeper Tando Velaphi.
Solskjaer was desperate to get back to football after a summer of off-field uncertainty regarding Pogba and Lukaku.
And the latter’s absence from the squad on the night, prompted yet more questions about his future.
With Inter Milan opening talks over a move for the Belgium international this week, he has found himself the focus of scrutiny here in Perth.
That only intensified after he missed out on an open training session at the WACA on Thursday. And when his name was omitted from the 24-man squad to face Perth, it looked like another hint that he is on his way out of Old Trafford.
His absence was officially attributed to a ‘slight niggle,’ with club sources claiming he would be back for Wednesday’s game here against Leeds.
But with Lukaku desperate to secure a move, he will remain the focus of attention during United’s tour.
Which is why Rashford’s goal will have come as such a relief to Solskjaer – justifying why he believes the 21-year-old has the potential to lead his attack.
But 50,206 fans had to wait until the second half to see the forward.
Instead, United started with Anthony Martial as centre forward, with Daniel James (below) handed his debut on the left and Tahith Chong on the right.
New signing James looked bright early on – frequently demanding the ball and driving forward.
An early cross should have reaped dividends, but no United player gambled by running into the six-yard box.
United created few opportunities, despite dominating possession – Ashley Young’s 25-yard free kick whistled past the post and Jesse Lingard forced a fingertip save from Reddy.
Solskjaer completely changed his line up at half time, with Pogba, Rashford and Wan-Bissaka all coming on.
Immediately United attacked with more pace and intent.
Mason Greenwood stretched Perth’s defence with his runs into the box, while Angel Gomes’ trickery also created openings.
But it was the combination of Pogba and Rashford that saw United open the scoring after Perth failed to clear their lines.
The Australian side Perth were guilty of inviting trouble again when Garner doubled United’s lead just moments after coming on for Luke Shaw.With a spin and a ruthless finish, Marcus Rashford immediately began to repay Gunnar Solskjaer’s faith in him.
The Manchester United striker’s 60th-minute finish set up a 2-0 win against Perth Glory here in the Optus Stadium – and was evidence of the killer instinct Solskjaer believes will make him a 25-goal a season man.
Rashford has been told he will lead United’s attack next term – prompting Romelu Lukaku to seek an exit from Old Trafford this summer.
And as Lukaku sat out the opening game of the club’s pre-season tour to Australia and the Far East, Rashford ensured Solskjaer got off to a winning start.
It was a moment of class orchestrated by Paul Pogba’s back heel on the edge of the box.
As the ball rolled into the area, Rashford turned in a flash and drove a first-time effort past Liam Reddy.
James Garner doubled United’s lead with four minutes to go – shooting from 20 yards to beat substitute keeper Tando Velaphi.
Solskjaer was desperate to get back to football after a summer of off-field uncertainty regarding Pogba and Lukaku.
And the latter’s absence from the squad on the night, prompted yet more questions about his future.
With Inter Milan opening talks over a move for the Belgium international this week, he has found himself the focus of scrutiny here in Perth.
That only intensified after he missed out on an open training session at the WACA on Thursday. And when his name was omitted from the 24-man squad to face Perth, it looked like another hint that he is on his way out of Old Trafford.
His absence was officially attributed to a ‘slight niggle,’ with club sources claiming he would be back for Wednesday’s game here against Leeds.
But with Lukaku desperate to secure a move, he will remain the focus of attention during United’s tour.
Which is why Rashford’s goal will have come as such a relief to Solskjaer – justifying why he believes the 21-year-old has the potential to lead his attack.
But 50,206 fans had to wait until the second half to see the forward.
Instead, United started with Anthony Martial as centre forward, with Daniel James handed his debut on the left and Tahith Chong on the right.
New signing James looked bright early on – frequently demanding the ball and driving forward.
An early cross should have reaped dividends, but no United player gambled by running into the six-yard box.
United created few opportunities, despite dominating possession – Ashley Young’s 25-yard free kick whistled past the post and Jesse Lingard forced a fingertip save from Reddy.
Solskjaer completely changed his line up at half time, with Pogba, Rashford and Wan-Bissaka (below) all coming on.
Immediately United attacked with more pace and intent.
Mason Greenwood stretched Perth’s defence with his runs into the box, while Angel Gomes’ trickery also created openings.
But it was the combination of Pogba and Rashford that saw United open the scoring after Perth failed to clear their lines.
The Australian side Perth were guilty of inviting trouble again when Garner doubled United’s lead just moments after coming on for Luke Shaw.
Relive the action as it happened with Standard Sport's LIVE blog...
Can't see the Man Utd news blog? Click here to access our desktop page
