There have been few moments to match this level of fantasy from
Manchester United in recent times. This is a club whose identity is built around turning impossible dreams into unforgettable realities but too many players have looked uncomfortable wearing that famous red shirt of late. The modern United have been too safe, too bland, and they have put out too many sides without the courage to deliver under pressure.
Not this time, though. This time there was magic. It materialised when Marcus Rashford, who turns 22 on Thursday, stood over a free-kick in the 73rd minute and decided to try his luck from 30 yards. Lesser players might not have had the confidence but Rashford trusted in his technique and produced something special, stunning Stamford Bridge with a rocket that wobbled through the air and flew into the top corner. “A bolt out of the blue,” Frank Lampard said. “No team can stop that.”