sport news CHRIS WHEELER: Marcus Rashford exploded into the Manchester derby, then fizzled ... trends now
It's the hope that kills you with Marcus Rashford. The hope that he will become the player we all know he can be. The hope that he will look like a man who is loving the life he tells us he always dreamed of living. The hope that the thumping goal he scored here at the Etihad will be the norm and not just an occasional flash of brilliance.
And it was brilliant, make no mistake about that. When Bruno Fernandes latched onto Andre Onana's long punt upfield in the eighth minute of the 192nd Manchester derby, held the ball up and laid it back for Rashford, you weren't sure what to expect next.
United's No 10 didn't hesitate. He smacked it first time from 25 yards and his shot flew into Ederson's goal off the underside of the bar.
'That's the best way to answer everybody, smash one in the net from 25 yards. It's a one in 30 chance that you think Rashford is going to beat Ederson from there,' gushed Gary Neville on Sky Sports.
'No problem with his body language today,' added Roy Keane after Rashford celebrated wildly in front of the United fans.
Marcus Rashford scored a brilliant long-range strike to give Manchester United the lead
But he wasted two further opportunities, and failed to test Manchester City's recovery powers
We wondered if this was the day when Rashford would rise above the cut and thrust of a rather lop-sided derby and emerge as United's local hero. Reignite his team's hopes of Champions League qualification and dent City's title bid.
Sadly not. Shortly afterwards, he wasted two opportunities to put United 2-0 ahead and really test City's powers of recovery.
In the 17th minute, his heavy touch to control Fernandes' throughball on halfway allowed Kyle Walker to win the ball back. Six minutes later, Fernandes' deep cross ran through to Rashford at the back post but he fluffed his volley from a difficult angle and fell on his backside.
By half-time, he was clearly struggling with a knock that had cast some doubt over his inclusion in the United line-up. 'He fought to be part of this game,' said Ten Hag so credit is due there.
Maybe that's why Rashford struggled to stay on his feet for the half hour he remained on the pitch after
