Across 4,163 games in a row since 1937, Manchester United have had an extraordinary run of boasting a player who came through their renowned youth academy in their match-day squad. 

So it seems appropriate that it was Marcus Rashford, who is one of the poster boys of the Red Devil's academy, produced a superb winner in their 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday night. 

The 24-year-old leaped highest in the box to head the ball beyond goalkeeper Lukas Fabianski for his 100th United goal. He became the 22nd United player to hit a century and the first since club legend Wayne Rooney in 2009.

It was also the English striker's second goal in four days after coming off the bench to score against FC Sheriff on Thursday, and his timing was impeccable. This match-winning performance was delivered in front of England manager Gareth Southgate, who was watching from the stands. 

Rashford was dropped by Southgate last season after netting only five goals in 32 appearances. This term, however, the young sensation enjoyed a strong start to life under new manger Ten Hag at Old Trafford, having notching six goals and three assists in 14 games. 

With the Qatar World Cup just three weeks away, Rashford has rediscovered his top form and put his name firmly in Southgate's plans for the tournament. 

"It's always good to score regardless of whether Gareth is watching or not," said the rejuvenated forward, who turns 25 on Monday. 

"I feel I need to score more goals like that and keep getting in those areas. Pleased that I have managed to score today," he said, adding "100 goals for this special club!"

"I've been here since I was 7 years old and came through every single age group and played on every single pitch so I want to thanks all the staff, my family and team mates that have helped make this achievement possible." 

When asked if Rashford could become an elite striker in the future, Ten Hag said, "He already is... If you score 100 for Manchester United before you are 25. But it's about trophies to win with your club, and I think he can develop even more." 

"He is much more consistent and resilient – already a great player but still room for improvement. Where it will end his career who knows, but I am sure it will be great."

While Rashford managed to come up with a Ronaldo-like header in an intense encounter, Cristiano Ronaldo, who returned to the starting 11 following his one-match punishment for refusing to come on as a substitute, struggled to make an impact throughout. 

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was overshadowed by his much-younger teammate, and when chance came to his way, the 37-year-old failed to capitalize, wasting one glorious scoring opportunity after he had been sent running into the penalty area by none other than Rashford. 

United will next face Real Sociedad in their final group game of the Europa League on November 3 before taking on Aston Villa in the Premier League three days later.  

Rashford will be hoping to further add to his goal tally, while the under-fire Ronaldo could find himself being left out of the starting lineup if he fails to impress again.