Jose Mouriniho's squad selection for the upcoming Manchester Derby just took another turn, as the on form Marcus Rasford sealed a hat trick in his England under 21 Debut in a 6-1 demolition of Norway.
So good was the young player’s performance thatSouthgate, the under 21's manager, admitted after the game "that this could be the one and only time he gets to work with Rashford at this level."
The highlight of Rasford'sgame was the second goal: it came off a slight deflection, he saw the opportunity, got into the position, the exceptional timing of the run and his single-mindedness to shoot paid off no end as the ball looped into the net.
Hat-trick hero! @ManUtd striker @MarcusRashford with a fabulous treble on his @England U21 debut.🔥 https://t.co/j5BXmE6FKm
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) 6 September 2016
After the game, Rashford was asked if he felt that his performance had given the new United Manager a few things to think about ahead of the clash with Manchester City this weekend.
"That's all you want to do as a young player, give your manager a decision about whether to play you. I'm looking forward to it."
Rashford has now scored two goals in his Europa League debut and two in his Premier League debut. He also scored one in his England debut and with another three in this England Under21 debut; it’s fair to say, he is looking on form and with Anthony Martial not firing on all cylinders Rashford could be an option.
Add to that Rashford is also the first Mancunian United goal scorer in a derby since Paul Scholes in 2010 when he scored the only goal in last year’s derby at the Etihad, surely Mourinho must be close to putting him on the team sheet.
.@England U21 hero @MarcusRashford hopes he has given Jose Mourinho food for thought ahead of the Manchester derby. https://t.co/C0fJ9CJfBu
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) 6 September 2016
.@England U21 hero @MarcusRashford hopes he has given Jose Mourinho food for thought ahead of the Manchester derby. https://t.co/C0fJ9CJfBu
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) 6 September 2016
Could Rashford give England back there fight
Sam Allardyce was also present at the match,Allardyce's face was a sight to be seen as the second goal went in.
With the criticism he received after the first World Cup Qualifier, surely now he must be thinking of adding him to the starting line up in the next match.
Rashford is playing with confidence, he has that confidence when the ball is at his feet to take on players and create something. His second goal during the match with Norway was magicaland shows the young players confidence on the pitch at the moment; something that England have been missing under both Hodgson and the newly appointed Allardyce. Could he be what Manchester United needs? Could he what England needs?.