Rangnick has the big stars to outflank London rivals in top-four battle

Marcus Rashford (left), who came off the bench to score the winner against West Ham, sums up the excellent options at Manchester United. Photograph: Peter Powell/EPA

Anthony Martial played the pass, Edinson Cavani timed his run to deliver the cross and there was Marcus Rashford to sweep home, the stoppage-time goal giving Manchester United a 1-0 win over West Ham last Saturday and sparking wild scenes at Old Trafford.

“Manchester United are targeting West Ham’s top-four place,” roared the TV commentator. “Going Fourth,” declared the front page of the following day’s Observer Sport. And the first thing to say is this was not how United had imagined it at the start of the season.