06 January 2023 , 22:13
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Marcus Rashford underlined his enduring value to Manchester United to send Erik ten Hag's side into the next round of the FA Cup.
Having scored just five goals last season, Rashford has 13 already this term, including seven in his last seven games at Old Trafford, the first United player to do so since Wayne Rooney in 2012.
The scowl of last season has been replaced by a smile, with Ten Hag's impressive man-management getting the best out of the England striker, who is back to his best.
Rashford set up United's first two goals last night and converted a 97th-minute penalty to maintain his remarkable scoring run this season.
With Cristiano Ronaldo now out of the picture, Rashford has stepped up to become United's main attacking threat and is thriving under the responsibility of leading the line.
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Where there was uncertainty and anxiety about Rashford last season, there is now conviction and belief, with his goals maintaining United's winning run ahead of a big week at Old Trafford.
On Tuesday, United host Charlton for a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals, before the small matter of the Manchester derby against local rivals and champions City a week today.
Since losing to City 6-3 back in early October, United have played 17 games, winning 14, drawing two and losing just one.
Momentum is with them and if they can maintain their current form, Ten Hag has every chance of ending United's six-year wait for a trophy, their longest spell without silverware for four decades.
Erik ten Hag's Man United got the better of Everton in the FA Cup (AFP via Getty Images)Victory for United piled further pressure on beleaguered Everton boss Frank Lampard, whose side have now won just once in 12 games, including six defeats in their last seven.
Lampard needed a strong performance, which he got from his players, but with Everton's next two Premier League games against fellow relegation-threatened Southampton and West Ham, he can absorb this loss.
Disillusioned travelling Everton fans made clear their anger with chants of “Sack the board” before kick-off and their discontent deepened after just three minutes, as they went behind.
Anthony Martial did well to retain the ball in the middle and found Rashford, who steered the ball across the face of the goal for Antony to convert at the far post.
Everton levelled in the 14th minute, courtesy of a major howler. De Gea allowed Neal Maupay's cross to bounce through his legs, the ball falling to Conor Coady, who poked it in from close range.
The goal was a deserved reward for Everton's refusal to capitulate after going behind so early on, even if it was a gift from De Gea.
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At the other end, Rashford tested Jordan Pickford with a dipping long-range shot, the Everton and England No.1 equal to the task by blocking the effort.
Everton suffered a blow two minutes after the restart, Alex Iwobi was forced off after twisting his right ankle under a challenge from Malacia.
United restored their lead in the 52nd minute, Rashford proving too quick for Seamus Coleman, then crossing into the danger area, where Coady scored at the Stretford End for the second time, turning the ball past Pickford into his own net.
Everton had the ball in the net in the 73rd minute through sub Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check, with Rashford converting from the penalty spot after sub Alejandro Garnacho was brought down.