Manchester United moved within three points of Premier League second place after a 3-0 win over Leicester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.
It was a record-breaking night for Marcus Rashford, who scored twice to take his tally to 24 goals and become the most prolific goal scorer in a single season in United’s history.
The hosts had to survive some early pressure from Leicester, with goalkeeper David De Gea making two huge saves in the opening 20 minutes. But United soon got on the front foot and took the lead, with Rashford scoring twice.
Substitute Jadon Sancho then added United’s third, playing in a new number 10 role after coming on for Alejandro Garnacho at half-time, to seal the win and move them within three points of second-placed Manchester City.
The result extended United’s unbeaten run at Old Trafford to 17 games, and the win will give them a massive boost as they prepare to face Barcelona in the second leg of their Europa League play-off tie on Thursday.
The tie is finely poised at 2-2, and United will be confident of progressing to the next round with a win at Old Trafford. Rashford’s double against Leicester also made it a record-breaking night for the England international, who has now surpassed his previous tally of 22 goals in a single season .
The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards, and his two goals against Leicester showed why he is so highly rated. United’s win over Leicester was also a statement of intent from manager Erik ten Hag, who has made Old Trafford a fortress since his appointment in December.
His side has now gone 17 games unbeaten at home. With Rashford in such fine form and ten Hag’s side on a fine run of form, United will be confident of enjoying a successful end to the season. They face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday and hope to continue their impressive form against Barcelona in the Europa League.