FORGOTTEN MAN TO HEAD BOY

A painful past has driven Rashford to his red-hot scoring form and his goal celebration is a big nod to his new-found mental strength

- DAVID MCDONNELL

THE pain of the past has driven Marcus Rashford on to the most prolific season of his career for Manchester United.

This time last year, Rashford was at rock-bottom, bereft of confidence, with just five goals to his name, having lost his place in the England squad.

A year on, the striker has a career-best haul of 24 goals, including 16 in his last 18 games, and is the man to whom United will look to end their six-year wait for a trophy in tomorrow's Carabao Cup final.

Ahead of the match, Rashford opened up on playing through the pain barrier for nearly two years - a back injury followed by shoulder surgery which sidelined him for a combined seven months and the physical and mental toll that took on him.

"To be honest, I don't think anyone - apart from the people at the club knows how long I was dealing with those issues." he said.

"It wasn't just one season, it was a period of time where every day was tough and you have to just sacrifice.

"I've always been one to try and be out on the pitch as much as I can and that's where I get the happiness.