Roy Keane insists he's not surprised by Marcus Rashford's impressive display in Manchester United's FA Cup win over Everton - saying he's becoming the main man at Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old was undeniably United's standout performer against the Toffees, setting up two goals before adding a third late on from the penalty spot to bag his seventh goal in his seventh straight home game. The standard of Rashford's performances this term have drastically increased after a dismal showing last season.
Rashford has already bettered his tally from last campaign and his spot-kick ensured he now has 13 in all competitions so far. The best return of his career came during the 2019/20 season in which he bagged 22, there is every chance he betters that under Erik ten Hag this term if he can remain fit.
Keane has often been overly critical of many of the current crop of United stars, Rashford included, but he waxed lyrical over the England ace after the victory over Everton while covering the game for ITV.
"The beauty of tonight is that is what I expect from him," the Irishman added. "I'm not surprised by his performance tonight. He is becoming one of the main players for Manchester United. Can he get them back to competing for trophies?
"He is taking responsibility. I expect goals and assists from him every week now, he is obviously playing with confidence. He is going to go past you in one-on-one situations. You can't be too critical of the Everton defenders."
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Toffees boss Frank Lampard echoed a similar sentiment to Keane during his post-match media duties, as he claimed that Rashford's individual quality was the difference between the two sides on the night.
United secured their place in the draw for the fourth round, but the Red Devils did not have it all their own way at Old Trafford. Antony put the hosts in front inside the opening four minutes, but Everton were level 10 minutes later when Conor Coady capitalised on a David de Gea error.
Seven minutes into the second half and Coady had undone his earlier goal-scoring heroics as the England international guided the ball beyond Jordan Pickford and into his own net, handing United the lead once again in the process.
Everton huffed and puffed but failed to land a second blow. Dominic Calvert-Lewin had the ball in the net shortly after being introduced off the bench, but the goal was chalked off after an offside in the build-up.
Rashford's penalty in second-half stoppage time capped off a dazzling display and will have surely only boosted his confidence ahead of some crucial upcoming fixtures.
The Red Devils welcome local rivals Manchester City to Old Trafford in their next league outing, before making the trip to table-toppers Arsenal the following weekend later this month.
