Man Utd verdict: Red Devils show more freedom without Ronaldo but Ten Hag must replace him in January transfer window

One flash, one smash, one scintillating solo goal won’t change Erik ten Hag’s thinking – no matter how stunning.

Despite Marcus Rashford’s explosive clincher in Manchester United’s 2-0 EFL Cup win over Burnley, Ten Hag must replace ousted lCristiano Ronaldo.

Marcus Rashford watches a perfect end to his glorious run – the ball fizzing into the far corner to completer United’s 2-0 winRex

Benfica and Portugal’s 6ft 1ins striker Goncalo ramos could b be the answer for United, but only in the long termGetty

United‘s freedom of expression on the counter-attack will be difficult to match when they swap this lively clash for more serious life when the Premier League resumes at home to Nottingham Forest on December 27.

And Wednesday night’s liberated look was surely due more to the lower priority placed on this cup than to the departure of icon Ronaldo.

In fact, it was only once Rashford ignited to double the lead on 51 minutes that the Red Devils offered the focus up front they’ll need to turn fifth place in the Prem into a Champions League spot.

United had led promisingly enough at the break through a sublime team goal finished off by a thumping finish from Christian Eriksen.

But in that 45 minutes Rashford, mainly on the right, and Anthony Martial, usually more central, never quite offered the combined impact to rival the attack of elite Prem rivals. 

Martial is more about moments of magic than maintaining momentum.

And before the interval Rashford too had been overshadowed for invention by Red Devils’ playmaker Bruno Fernandes behind him.

Sooner or later, United will need a presence, a figurehead, a more out-and-out goalscorer.

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They can’t expect even a Rashford as majestic as this – flushed with extra confidence once he netted – to suddenly transform completely in one season from an all-round attacker to the main man.

Probable January targets Joao Felix and Cody Gakpo would give Ten Hag more exciting options from right to left across the front, rather than providing a complete answer.

Portugal’s emerging superstar Goncalo Ramos could do it – if given time.

But although he might be the new Ronaldo for his country he’s unlikely to be the next legend for United, not any time soon anyway.

Rashford’s already stood up to be counted on the field. Now it’s up to Ten Hag to do the same in the transfer market and bring in the right man.

AFPErik ten Hag saw Rashford’s strike partner Anthony Martial have a more enigmatic night in an entertaining 2-0 win against Burnley[/caption]