Marcus Rashford was completely unknown outside of the Manchester United fans who keep a keen eye on the youth teams as recently as last week before he made his Manchester United debut in the Europa League, but after two goals in that game, and another two in a win against Arsenal just days, the hype machine was well and truly kicked into overdrive.
Rashford failed to score on his second Premier League start against Watford on Wednesday night, but after being shifted to the right wing in the second half he showed a big improvement which will have comforted the few that feel that the next Federico Macheda may be enjoying his time in the sun.
One man who does not hold that view is former Manchester United and Leeds midfielder John Giles, who spoke of his belief that the young striker can save Louis Van Gaal's career on Off The Ball:
He took his goals very well (against Arsenal) and apart from his goals he looks to have plenty of ability. He is a good athlete, he looks well balanced. He could be, in the future and at the moment, a huge plus for Van Gaal.
This is the type of thing that rescues managers. First of all he is a local lad. He is a Manchester United lad, the supporters love to have a young lad coming in. He has gone through the academy and that at Manchester United, they (fans) love it.
It's like Kane playing for Spurs. The crowd love it and they take to him and that can relieve the pressure, if he keeps doing well, on the manager. It gives great hope for the future and it is what the supporters want to see.
A glowing report from the RTÉ pundit, although we couldn't help but wonder what his in-studio colleague would have to say about an 18-year-old being thrown into the first team.
We'll have to wait for the Dunphy verdict, but Giles is convinced that Rashford could be a major player for United in the coming years, as well as for the remainder of the season.
