“Sumptuous”: The national media purr over United star’s contribution to iconic World Cup victory

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford got the opportunity to start in the Bronze medal match between England and France. Impressive display The winger put in an impressive performance as his side came out on top 6-4 in a stunning exhibition of attacking football at the World Cup. The 28-year-old grabbed an assist and was an all-round nuisance for the French defence in the first half before he was subbed off at half-time. The English media was also pleased with the United man’s efforts as they widely praised his display. Media reaction TNT Sports gave Rashford an eight out of 10 for his Saturday evening’s work. They reported, “he came close to doubling England’s lead through his blocked shot inside six minutes.” TNT Sports also depicted his match as “a dip of the shoulder and a sumptuous nutmeg on Zaire-Emery led to his swirling shot from range which had Mike Maignan scampering to save.” When describing his role in the third goal they stated, he “was patient, having picked up the scraps from his own thwarted attempt to set up Saka selflessly as England added a third inside 37 minutes. A lively and impressive 45-minute cameo.” The London Evening Standard were not so forthcoming in their praise but they gave Rashford a seven for his performance. They explained that he “had one great effort from range which forced a good save and assisted Saka for the Arsenal man’s first goal.” Finally, The Mirror agreed with the Standard’s assessment and also have him a seven out of ten. The paper described Rashford’s contribution as he “looked more free and dangerous – and provided an assist for Saka. Subbed at half time.” The winger will now take a holiday and return to Carrington with his long-term future still to be decided moving forward. Marcus Rashford stats vs France StatisticValue Goals0 Expected goals (xG)0.51 Assists1 Expected assists (xA)0.07 Big chances created3 Key passes3 Crosses (accurate)2 (0) Accurate passes18/20 (90%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)10/12 (83%) Passes in own half (acc.)8/8 (100%) Total shots3 Expected goals on target (xGOT)0.31 Shots on target2 Shots blocked1 Big chances missed1 Touches34 Dribbles (successful)3 (2) Possession lost7 Total carrying distance98 m Carries10 Progressive carries3 Total progression75 m Progressive carrying distance57.7 m Longest progressive carry25.4 m Def. contributions0 Tackles (won)0 (0) Interceptions0 Clearances0 Blocked shots0 Recoveries1 Ground duels (won)4 (2) Dribbled past0 Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Latest Top Stories… Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.