A Comprehensive Look at Marcus Rashford's Goal Drought as Man United Star Ends Premier League Dry Spell

United, who are determined to bounce back from consecutive losses, faced a challenging start at St Mary's as they relied on Andre Onana to make a crucial penalty save from Cameron Archer.

That proved to be a turning point as Matthijs de Ligt was played onside to head home his first United goal from Bruno Fernandes’ pinpoint cross.

Southampton’s set-piece defending proved to be their downfall once again in the 41st minute when Rashford was allowed to peel away to the edge of the box and curl a right-footed shot beyond Aaron Ramdale into the far corner.

MORE: All the latest Man Utd news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

How long was Marcus Rashford’s goal drought

The strike was Rashford’s first in the Premier League since he scored from the penalty spot in a 2-0 win over Everton on March 9.

That was the second of three goals in as many matches across all competitions for the 26-year-old, who netted a screamer in the 3-1 derby defeat to Manchester City before being on target in the dramatic 4-3 FA Cup quarterfinal triumph over Liverpool.

Rashford’s scoreless run began in England’s 1-0 friendly defeat to Brazil on March 23. It is still his most recent appearance for the Three Lions after missing out on the squads for both Euro 2024 and this month’s UEFA Nations League matches.

MARCUS RASHFORD ENDS THE DROUGHT.

He gets his first goal since March as Man United go 2-0 up!

USA Network | #SOUMUN pic.twitter.com/RHQR1raAdB

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 14, 2024

The loss to Liverpool a fortnight ago was Rashford’s ninth consecutive Premier League game without a goal, with three blanks in the FA Cup and Community Shield also coming during this period.

Rashford was absent from four Premier League matches towards the end of last season meaning his drought in terms of overall United games stood at 16. Fans will hope his sweet strike on the English south coast is the start of a new chapter for the much-discussed striker.

An audacious long-range attempt to force a fine save from Ramsdale in the 60th minute suggested Rashford's confidence might indeed be coming back. The same could tentatively be said for Ten Hag's collective after Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench to seal a 3-0 win.

Marcus Rashford goal drought in fullDateOpponentHome/AwayCompetitionScoreMinutes playedMarch 23BrazilHomeInternational friendlyL 1-015'March 30BrentfordAwayPremier LeagueD 1-180'April 4ChelseaAwayPremier LeagueL 4-324'April 7LiverpoolHomePremier LeagueD 2-266'April 13BournemouthAwayPremier LeagueD 2-290'April 21CoventryNeutralFA CupD 3-390'April 24Sheffield UnitedHomePremier League W 4-2_April 27BurnleyHomePremier LeagueD 1-1_May 6Crystal PalaceAway Premier League L 4-0_May 12ArsenalHomePremier LeagueL 1-0_May 15NewcastleHomePremier LeagueW 3-27'May 19BrightonAwayPremier LeagueW 2-015'May 25Man CityNeutralFA CupW 2-174'August 10Man CityNeutralFA CupD 1-183'August 16FulhamHomePremier LeagueW 1-090'August 24BrightonAwayPremier LeagueL 2-165'September 1LiverpoolHomePremier League L 3-090'