MARCUS RASHFORD and Manchester United's upturn in form is thanks to the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Garth Crooks.
Ronaldo departed Old Trafford for the second time in his careerfollowing his tell-all TalkTV interview with Piers Morgan.
The Portuguese superstar has since joined Saudi side Al-Nassr in the next chapter of his illustrious career.
Following Ronaldo's departure academy graduate Rashford has scored eight times in nine Premier League appearances as the Red Devils sit third in the league five points behind table toppers Arsenal.
Crook's believes that Rashford's rich vein of form is because of the departure of the five time Balon d'Or winner.
Speaking to BBC Sport Crooks said: " I think it's very telling that Manchester United's results have continually improved since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldoand so has Rashford's presence in the team."
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He added: "Rashford no longer has to play second fiddle to a player desperate to hang on to former glories, who has far more interest in himself than the team. The problem has been removed."
Prior to Ronaldo's departure Rashford scored seven times in 19 appearances but has really pushed on after the World Cup.
Since the tournament in Qatar where The Englishmen scored three goals and was the Three Lions joint top scorer he has found the back of the net 13 times in 15 appearances.
Most recently the England international scored a crucial late opener at Elland Road as United won 2-0.
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The in form forward now has 12 league goals this season and sits behind Ivan Toney, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland in the scoring charts.
Rashford became the first player to score in nine consecutive home games for United since Dennis Viollet in 1959.
Erik Ten Hag will de desperate for Rashford to continue his outstanding form as they face Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday.
Ten Hag's men then have a chance to lift a first trophy since 2017 in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at the end of the month.
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