If you had been told at the end of last season that Marcus Rashford was going to be one of the stars of the tournament at this year's World Cup in Qatar, very few would have believed you.
Rashford was devoid of confidence at the back end of the Ralf Rangnick horror show and Manchester United fans were rightly frustrated watching the forward perform for the Reds.
His passion for the club has never been in doubt but his self-belief was shot to pieces. On several occasions, Rashford was giving up too easily when things were not going his way and it was clear that he was not in the right headspace.
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The campaign's finale was a saving grace for Rashford who was able to take a longer break post-season due to the lack of international football for him. Upon his return, Erik ten Hag set about re-establishing his confidence.
It would be fair to say that his mission has now been accomplished. Rashford's eight goals in 19 appearances for United helped him get a call-up to the England squad but it was his positive style of play and willingness to take on defenders which earned him a spot on the plane.
Unfortunately for the Wythenshawe forward, he was not first choice for Gareth Southgate at the start of the World Cup. But, after two impressive displays, the 25-year-old was entrusted to start against Wales and did not let his manager down.
Rashford's brace would not have been seen when he was in the depths of his poor spell last year. His first, a powerful free-kick which flew past Danny Ward, was impressive but his second was spell-binding.
Conor Roberts was powerless to stop Rashford jinx his way through the Welsh defence before the United man fired the ball between the legs of Ward. The goals were nothing less than he deserved and put him level with Kylian Mbappe and Cody Gakpo in the race for the Golden Boot.
Ten Hag should receive plenty of praise for helping to restore Rashford's confidence but he now has a final challenge which needs completing. The Dutchman must secure his new star forward on a long-term contract at Old Trafford.
Rashford is out of contract at the end of the season and although the Reds have the option to extend his deal by a further year, they must secure him for longer. He has proven that last season was merely a blip and it is only right that he is rewarded with an extended stay in Manchester.
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