Chelsea triumph is a sign of things to come under Mourinho
MARCUS Rashford can be a world beater, according to United team-mate Matteo Darmian.
The electric Mancunian inspired Jose Mourinho’s side against Chelsea and set the Reds on the way to an impressive 2-0 win at Old Trafford against the Premier League leaders.
Rashford is back on scoring form with two goals in his last two league matches following a barren spell in the Premier League that stretched back to last September.
But Darmian believes the 19-year-old striker can now help United achieve their ambitions.
“Marcus is a great player. He is still very, very young and I think he is very important for us,” said the Italian defender.
“With his quality, he can be one of the top players, one of the most important players, in the world.
“He is very good in every part of the game, he has a very good shot, movement, speed.
“Sometimes for a striker, it is normal there is not as good a period of scoring goals, but I hope he continues like this because it helps the team to reach our objective.”
United’s two targets left this season are the top four route into the Champions League and more immediately Thursday night’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Anderlecht at Old Trafford, following the 1-1 draw in Brussels.
Success in the final in Stockholm on May 24 would also be a ticket back to the Champions League.
“It is still possible in the top four and we have to fight for it,” added Darmian.
“Of course we know our characteristic. Sometimes, of course, we draw a lot of games at home.
“We deserve to win a lot of games but we lost a lot of points at home, but I think we have a chance with six or seven games to go, so still the possibility is in our hands.
“This kind of game and win against Chelsea gives us confidence. Everyone is concentrated for this end of the season because we know we play for two big opportunities.
“One is the Europa League and the second is finish in the top four because I think playing in the Champions League is a very good objective for next season.
“We have to fight and try to win as many games as possible. We know that it will be a difficult game against Anderlecht but we play at home, in front of our fans.
“We want to pass into the semi-final of the Europa League so we have to be focused, with the same attitude, same attention and same ambition as we had against Chelsea.
“It can be a good night on Thursday.”