IN A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OF HIS OWN
Rashford is a world-beater & Europe is the last stage of his development
RIO FERDINAND says Marcus Rashford can become a world-beater – but he still has to prove himself at the highest level.
Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand is convinced Rashford can be as good as fellow teen sensation Kylian Mbappe and emerge as one of the world’s best players in the coming years.
But Rashford, who has five goals for United this season, and has made himself a regular under Jose Mourinho, must show he can deliver in the Champions League as well as the Premier League, according to Ferdinand (right).
Rashford will be a key man for United on Saturday, when they travel to arch-rivals Liverpool, with Ferdinand claiming the 19-year-old forward now has the world at his feet.
“He’s a great talent and he’s doing well,” Ferdinand said. “He looks like he’s maturing. He’s improving, hungry, and getting opportunities this season.
“He’s somebody who can be a huge talent for United and England – he’s at the right place to do that.
“He’s got the backing of the manager, the fans and the confidence of the players. The more I see him, the more he’s bringing new things to his game.
“You’ve got Ousmane Dembele, who’s gone to Barcelona, and Mbappe, who’s gone to Paris Saint-Germain.
“Potentially, he’s as good as those guys, but they’ve done it in the Champions League, while he’s yet to prove that.
“But I don’t think Marcus is silly. He knows he’s not the finished article and will keep working hard at his game.
“These young players, we’re too quick to say, ‘He can be this or that’. If he keeps improving, keeps working at his game and stays in love with football, he’s got as good a chance as any kid in the game to be a real success and a huge star.”
Rashford has already clocked up 472 minutes in the Premier League this season and started both of England’s World Cup qualifying ties this past week.
Rashford is keeping Anthony Martial out of the United side this season and is expected to start again at Liverpool.