With just over ten minutes to go of their match against Reading, Manchester United had done enough to book their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Wayne Rooney’s beautifully placed knee volley into the far corner had given them an early lead (levelling Sir Bobby Charlton’s United record in the process), Anthony Martial had scored another ten minutes later and Marcus Rashford had put the result beyond doubt with 15 minutes left on the clock.
Rashford, who hadn’t scored since September, soon had a second courtesy of an absolute howler from Ali Al-Habsi.
With the ball played back to the Omani goalkeeper by one of his defenders, his right foot accidentally nudged the ball out of the way of his left as he attempted to hoof the ball down field. Rashford had a gift, but took absolutely no chances in making sure the ball crossed the line…
Oh dear, Ali Al-Habsi. 🙈 🙈 🙈 #EmiratesFACup https://t.co/jSo8qFyK1B
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 7, 2017
Having smashed it home from barely a yard, many United fans watching were reminded of a goal Rashford scored earlier in the season, when their side travelled to Northampton in the League Cup. Also benefitting from another goalkeeping error that night, the youngster opted to put his laces through the ball when presented with an empty goal.
Plenty of comparisons were being made…
Hard to decide which was the better Rashford goal? The one against Northampton in #EFLCup or the one against Reading in #FACup #MUFC 😂
— Shaun Farrelly (@ShaunFarrelly) January 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/HenrikhAssist/status/817734944973799425
Second time Rashford is scoring this type of goal this season 😂😂🙃 like he did against Northampton in the EFL Cup game
— fj (@fjagozy) January 7, 2017
Another wonderfully unnecessary Rashford finish to an open net. The boy is a dream
— Conor (@IWannaRunToU) January 7, 2017
I love how Rashford absolutely twats them into an open net from a yard out 😂😂😂😂
— JS (@Stubbs89) January 7, 2017
