Manchester United 5 FC Midtjylland 1 player ratings: was Marcus Rashford the star man after dream debut?

The 18-year-old scored twice in Europa League triumph on memorable bow

Marcus Rashford celebrates his first goal of the game (Getty Images)

Two goals from debutant Marcus Rashford helped Manchester United to a 5-1 victory over Midtjylland and through to the last-16 of the Europa League.

Rashford had the first clear chance, having received a throw-in, and used his pace to get square on goal, with his low shot forcing Midtjylland’s Mikkel Andersen into a save.

Despite few chances, it was the Danes who opened the scoring on 27 minutes through Pione Sisto’s low shot, having exploited Daley Blind’s poor defending.

However, luck was on United’s side as Memphis Depay, who stood out for much of the first-half, sent in a low cross which was sent in by the outstretched foot of Nikolay Bodurov.

Morgan Schneiderlin’s audacious overhead kick went narrowly wide as half-time loomed, before Mata missed a late first-half penalty.

Louis Van Gaal’s side looked most likely to score next, and so it proved, Mata cutting back the ball for Rashford to fire home his debut goal and to put the game level on aggregate.

WAS RASHFORD THE STAR MAN? RATINGS BELOW...

And just as the 18-year-old was coming to terms with his fine debut the striker netted again, this time converting a good cross from Guillermo Varela.

Ander Herrera converted United’s second penalty of the game, before the Danes were reduced to ten when Andre Romer received a second yellow.

Standout performer Depay added a 90th-minute striker as Midtjylland’s fairy tale story was well and truly shattered.