Manchester United will want to replace Cristiano Ronaldo following his sensational departure from Old Trafford - and yet Erik ten Hag might already have his perfect player to take his place already under his nose. Ronaldo, 37, has departed the club for the second time following his jaw-dropping interview with Piers Morgan in which he slammed United during the no holds barred chat.
Ronaldo and his legacy should eventually be restored when the dust has settled. But for United and their manager, filling his boots is the number one priority - only he should look no further than his current options.
Academy graduate Marcus Rashford has returned to form this season - with eight goals and three assists - and has now taken that club form onto the international stage. Indeed, he produced a devastating match-winning double as England put Wales to the sword in their World Cup showdown on Tuesday night.
READ MORE: Highlights from England vs Wales
After scoring a Ronaldo-esque free-kick upon the restart, things got even better for Rashford at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium when he added a second and England's third to wrap up victory. His performances in Qatar have had fans purring - but the view from experts is that Erik ten Hag is turning the England winger into a real world-beater.
Speaking about Rashford in the build-up to the Wales game, ex-United striker Louis Saha likened him to France and Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe. He said: "I really like Marcus Rashford and you know he can be a starter. He's such talent and threat.
"Rashford is a humongous talent and I love to see him at this level. Harry Kane is the best player, but Rashford is my favourite player in the England squad because of his style and enjoy watching him play. When Rashford has the eye of the tiger, he's unplayable and at the same level as [France striker] Kylian Mbappe."
Comparing the United man to another modern sensation, BBC Sport host Gary Lineker seemingly agreed. He said: "W hat a turnaround from Marcus Rashford.
"He's come back this season and gradually got his way back into the Manchester United team, this is the Rashford that is a threat, he's dangerous. When he plays like this yes it might not happen always, but he's going past players, beating players, having attempts at goal.
"[He's] a little bit similar to [Brazil attacker] Vinicius Jr where they recognise that they might give the ball away. But they recognise the talent and encourage using it."
While Ronaldo's are undoubtedly huge boots to fill - Rashford could be showing that he is ready to step up and finally become the elite footballer he's always had the potential to be, and a real threat going forward for both club and country.
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