RED-HOT MARCSMAN

Rashford stings Bees with 28th goal of season to get top-4'chase back on track

- DAVID McDONNELL

ERIK TEN HAG called on his Manchester United players to be like “robots and machines” to get back on track in the race for a top-four place. 

And it was goal-machine Marcus Rashford who once again came to his side’s rescue, plundering his 28th goal of the season to take United back up into fourth spot.

Rashford’s predatory first-half finish proved the difference, as Ten Hag’s side overcame stubborn opponents to avenge their 4-0 defeat at Brentford at the start of the season.

After that humiliating defeat, the Dutchman (below) made his squad run 8.7 miles the following day in the August heat distance Thomas Frank's side had out-run United's players.

Yet there was no shortage of application or desire on this occasion, qualities United's players had to show in abundance to secure a vital win in the battle to secure a Champions League place.

After their abject 2-0 defeat at Newcastle three days earlier, Ten Hag had called on his players to show the hunger and desire that had been so sorely lacking in that meek capitulation.