The ManicaPost
Marcus Rashford’s mesmeric strike from 35 yards against Chelsea drew instant comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick against Portsmouth in 2008.
Rashford used the same ‘knuckleball’ technique at Stamford Bridge to bamboozle the helpless Willy Caballero who could only clutch at thin air.
The ball moved in the air several times before hitting the back of the net sending United’s travelling fans into hysteria.
Rashford has tried to replicate Ronaldo’s free-kick against Portsmouth on many occasions without success but on October 30 his luck changed.
Jamie Redknapp was among the pundits to wax lyrical on the forward, who turns 22 on Thursday, after he netted what turned out to be the winner for United.
‘I’ve seen a lot of free-kicks, and that’s right up there,’ said Sky pundit Redknapp.
‘You see Roger Federer, all the greats from different sports, they make it look effortless.
‘As he strikes that it’s so easy. It looks like he’s just trying to clip the ball into the box. As it hits the net it looks like it’s going faster.
‘You (Darren Fletcher) played with David Beckham who was one of the greatest. You used to have to put the movement on the ball.
‘These days, with the ball, the technique, getting that knuckle ball effect. Juninho used to do it, (Didier) Drogba, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, the goal he scored against Portsmouth.
‘It’s not so much the players, it’s almost the ball, you’re trying to make it wobble. When we played you wanted to try and make it curve and make it do it itself. This ball is perfect for players.’
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also quick to compare Rashford to Ronaldo after seeing his side progress to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, where they will host League One’s Colchester.
‘It’s very Cristiano-like, isn’t it?’ Solskjaer told MUTV.
‘The boy has got nerves of steel, takes a penalty, no problem. Steps up and hits the ball like he does and wins us the game — fantastic.’
The United boss said on Sky Sports: ‘Marcus has that strike in him. I’ve seen him in training so many times.’
Even opposing manager Frank Lampard labelled the strike ‘special’ following Chelsea’s 2-1 home defeat.
It was special, a bolt out of the blue,’ Lampard said.
‘It’s great technique. It was a stunning strike from him, at a time when I felt we were really in the ascendancy.’
Rashford has previously revealed he enjoys studying Manchester United’s former No 7 technique.
He said of watching United as a child: ‘I went to every home game since the age of six or seven and when Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were at their best. Everyone wanted to be like them.
‘Ronaldo is the best I saw growing up and playing live. He has won five Ballon d’Ors — but still has the determination and drive to improve.
‘Most people don’t have that. Cristiano has and that’s what has made him one of the best ever.
‘Whenever people ask me if it is Lionel Messi or him, it’s always Ronaldo. Always.’
The studying appears to have paid off with fans taking to social media after Wednesday night’s winner to compare their young starlet to Ronaldo.
A United supporter wrote: ‘Rashford or Ronaldo? Unbelievable free kick!’
Another added: ‘When did Marcus Rashford turn into Cristiano Ronaldo? Incredible goal.’
‘Wow! Nothing we’ve seen from Rashford over the years suggests that would go in. That’s Ronaldo like,’ wrote one fan.
If United are awarded a free-kick on Saturday, you can bet Rashford will step up to the plate to try his luck once more. – Daily Mail.
