Marcus Rashford is rejuvenated and so is Manchester United

A few key personnel decisions and a major signing have turned things around at Old Trafford

It was pretty easy to make fun of Manchester United after two games.

The Red Devils were rock bottom after a humiliating 4-0 loss to Brentford left them with no points. Erik ten Hag’s project looked destined for failure before it even really got started.

But fast forward three weeks, and things are looking quite different for Manchester United.

United beat Arsenal 3-1 on Sunday, ending the Gunners’ perfect start and moving to within just three points of first place after a fourth consecutive win.

How has United turned it around? First off, Ten Hag made three big lineup adjustments.

Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire were dumped from the starting back line, replaced by Tyrell Malacia and Raphaël Varane.

And in maybe the most significant change, Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped to the bench, with Marcus Rashford moving up top as the club’s starting forward.

Rashford has looked positively rejuvenated after the shift up top, scoring three goals, including two against Arsenal on Sunday, to come within one of his league total of four from all of last season.

Having €95 million to spare also tends to help, with new signing Antony finding the net on his debut against the Gunners to open the scoring.

“They both played great, a continual threat,” Ten Hag told Match of the Day of Rashford and Antony after the game.

“I know our offensive is really strong — they are creative and have speed. This is the first time they have played together and this performance is great to see.”

United has resources beyond the reach of almost any other club, but that has not translated into success on the field in what seems like forever. The season is still young, but Ten Hag, Rashford and Antony have optimism higher at Old Trafford than it has been for a long time.

Watch Rashford’s double vs. Arsenal

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