Wayne Rooney has told Marcus Rashford to "keep it going" after he broke his home scoring record on Tuesday night.
The Manchester United star scored a brace late on against Charlton as the Red Devils ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. It continued Rashford's impressive scoring streak, which now stands at goals in his last eight home matches in all competitions.
Last time out against Everton Rashford scored in his seventh successive home game - equalling a Rooney record that was set back in 2012. Saturday's Manchester derby will now present Rashford with the chance to equal Dennis Viollet's club-record of scoring in nine consecutive home games.
The 25-year-old's impressive run began when he scored in the Europa League against FC Sheriff with his purple patch meaning he's now notched 15 times this term. Rooney was full of praise for his former team-mate, congratulating him on Twitter. He said: "Class @MarcusRashford. Let’s keep it going" alongside several applause emojis. Rashford is vey much on course to smash his best single season goal tally, which currently stands at 22.
The forward has been a player reborn this term following a difficult season last time out. He's thrived from wider areas and has been United's main goal threat. His two strikes came with the clock winding down and Erik ten Hag was pleased with his impact from the bench.
He said: "That was the plan [to bring on Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford ] before the game, to bring them on the stay in the rhythm for the coming games. That was good. The subs have to be ready and you've seen again today, all the subs were ready to contribute."
The win over the League One outfit means United are into the last four of the Carabao Cup. Newcastle have joined them and Manchester City are also expected to do so. Ten Hag bemoaned the fact United took so long to finish the game off, but was content with the end result.
He added: "I said before we have to reach the semi-finals and we did the job. We had to finish the game early on but, in the end, the objective was getting to the semi-final so compliments to the team. The only thing I'm not happy with is we had to finish the game early on."
Facundo Pellistri was finally handed his United debut after previously being sent out on loan. The Uruguayan has been forced to bide his time but Ten Hag is confident he has a future at Old Trafford. "I see a future in him and he is doing really well and we have to see what is the best," he said.
