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#3 Centre-forward remains an area of concern
Manchester United have been linked with a host of centre-backs come summer and, if reports are to be believed, they are almost certain to bolster their defensive options. However, their display at the Estadio de Los Carmenes went on to highlight their weakness at the other end of the pitch.
Anthony Martial has had a miserable campaign so far, with only seven goals to show for in just under 40 games across all competitions, and with the Frenchman set to be sidelined for the campaign, it is up to Mason Greenwood to step up to make the position his own — but this has, unfortunately, not been the case so far.
Greenwood has had a host of great all-round displays this season despite not getting on the scoresheet, but his performance against Granada has highlighted Manchester United's need for a pure centre-forward. Greenwood failed to attempt a single shot, let alone one on target, in his 85 minutes on the pitch, and has just six goals to show for in 41 appearances this season.
That is not to say that Greenwood can't cut it at Manchester United as his talent is not in question. However, he is far from the finished product capable of taking games by the scruff of the neck that the Red Devils need right now.
#2 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's march towards first trophy
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's impact at Manchester United has been undeniable. The six-time Premier League winner has the Red Devils playing better football, developed a culture that is much more in keeping with the club's history, and has overseen a much-needed squad revamp since his arrival.
The main criticism he's received so far is his lack of silverware, which is a perfectly valid point. Solskjaer has guided his side to four semi-finals in cup competitions since taking over from Jose Mourinho but has fallen short every single time.
Thursday night's 2-0 win over Granada was a major step in his tenure as Red Devils boss to address this concern. It wasn't the best they've played under the Norwegian, but United's professional display on the night has ensured they have one foot in the semi-finals of the European competition. They are yet to be beaten in the Europa League this season and have gotten past two impressive sides in Real Sociedad and AC Milan.
Given that they are the only side remaining in the last eight to have previously won the UEL, Manchester United have placed themselves in a brilliant position to win their first piece of silverware since the 2016/17 campaign. Solskjaer can also afford to field his strongest side in the competition as they are in pole position to secure a top-four finish in the league as well.
#1 Magnificent Marcus Rashford strikes again
Marcus Rashford has had a brilliant 2020/21 campaign so far for Manchester United and made the difference for his side once again. The Englishman scored a career-best 22 goals in 44 games last season along with a further 12 assists, and he's on course to break his own personal best this season.
Victor Lindelof spotted Rashford's darting run behind the Granada defence and launched a raking long ball to find him. The 23-year-old's majestic first touch helped him bring the ball down, and he followed it up with a clever finish towards the far corner to give his side the lead.
Rashford has faced a couple of injury issues this season, but this is the second game upon returning to the first XI, and he has managed to score two goals in this period. His equalising strike against Brighton & Hove Albion was superb, and his goal on Thursday night was simply sumptuous. It was reminiscent of the goal that the Swede and the Englishman combined to score away at Bramall Lane.
The goal also made Rashford the first Manchester United player to hit 20 goals in two consecutive campaigns since Wayne Rooney in 2008/09 and 2009/10.
Also read: Top 10 strikers in the world this season (2020/21)
