Manchester United and Marcus Rashford are continually improving thanks to the departure of ‘problem’ forward Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Garth Crooks.
Ronaldo, who confirmed his acrimonious exit from Old Trafford in November after delivering a bombshell interview slamming the club alongside Piers Morgan, has since moved to Al-Nassr in pursuit of a fresh start.
Since, Rashford has netted eight goals in nine league appearances for United and propelled Erik ten Hag’s side into third spot, five points behind leaders Arsenal and two behind local rivals Manchester City.
Marcus Rashford is in the form of his life thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit, says Garth Crooks
The Red Devils have also consolidated their position in the top four and look on course to secure Champions League football next season, five points ahead of Newcastle in fourth and seven in front of chasers Tottenham.
Crooks is convinced the fruitful run of form is directly linked to Ronaldo’s departure, as Rashford is ‘no longer playing second fiddle’ to someone fixated on his past.
The BBC Sport pundit urged that Rashford is ‘no longer playing second fiddle’ to the megastar
He told BBC Sport: ‘I think it’s very telling that Manchester United’s results have continually improved since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo – and so has Rashford’s presence in the team.
‘Rashford no longer has to play second fiddle to a player desperate to hang on to former glories, who has far more interest in himself than the team. The problem has been removed.’
The England international struck a crucial late opener against Leeds on Sunday as Manchester United edged out a hard-fought 2-0 victory at Old Trafford, with substitute Alejandro Garnacho netting the second in the 85th minute.
The win temporarily soared United above City in the table ahead of the champions’ late kick-off against Aston Villa, and Pep Guardiola’s side made no mistake in reclaiming their position, beating the visitors 3-1 at the Etihad.
Whilst very much outsiders compared to City having played an extra fixture, the Red Devils are just a few results away from being genuine contenders in the Premier League title race, with Arsenal dropping five points against Everton and Brentford in their last two matches.
Ten Hag will be desperate for Rashford to keep up his fine form ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle later this month, which offers the Dutchman his first shot at silverware since arriving in Manchester.
The Portuguese forward completed his acrimonious exit from Manchester United in November
Rashford has since chalked up eight league goals in nine matches for the in-form Red Devils
Cristiano Ronaldo and one England star included in shortlist for FIFPRO World XI
Football fans have slammed the FIFPro shortlist after Cristiano Ronaldo was included as one of the seven attackers – while Jude Bellingham was England’s only name
Cristiano Ronaldo has made the shortlist despite a poor second half of the year (Image: Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named on the 26-player shortlist for the FIFPRO World XI alongside Jude Bellingham, the only Englishman to make the list.
Ronaldo was dropped by Manchester United this season, before leaving via mutual consent as he sensationally blasted the club. The 37-year-old is currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia – but he’s still been voted by his peers for the award.
However, if Ronaldo wants a spot in the team, he will have to be voted in ahead of Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Neymar.
One fan tweeted: “Ronaldo in that shortlist this season make it all useless and worthless!”
“How has Ronaldo sneaked his way in there…unbelievable PR,” a second added with a laughing emoji. While a third tweeted: “One Ronaldo fan. Please give me one reason why Ronaldo is on that list…”
And a fourth responded: “Vinicius Jr scored the only goal that won Real Madrid the Champions League but wasn’t nominated for the FIFPRO XI. And wait, what is Ronaldo doing there lmao!”
Jude Bellingham was the only Englishman on the list (Image: Getty Images)
Bellingham was the only English name on the list – the Borussia Dortmund midfielder is one of the hottest prospects in Europe, and he wowed global audiences with his performances at the World Cup.
The youngster has been hotly tipped for a move away from Germany in the summer, with Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Liverpool leading the charge.
FIFPRO World XI shortlist
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Defenders: Joao Cancelo (Man City/Bayern Munich), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Milan), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Casemiro (Man Utd), Kevin De Bruyne (Man City), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Enzo Fernandez (Benfica/Chelsea), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Gavi (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona)
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (PSG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd/Al Nassr), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Erling Haaland (Man City), Neymar (PSG)
Source: dailymail.co.uk; dailystar.co.uk
