Solskjaer believes ‘exceptional’ Rashford has what it takes to become a true legend at Old Trafford

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer believes Marcus Rashford has the ability and the drive to become a United legend.

The forward recorded his 78th and 79th goals for the club in the win at Sheffield United on Thursday and he’ll aim to maintain his fine form this season against Leeds at Old Trafford today.

But once that reunion with an old rival is out of the way Rashford is likely to make the short journey to the BBC studios at MediaCity, Salford, to be presented with a special award at the Sports Personality of the Year show where he will be honoured for his work to raise awareness of child poverty during 2020.

Rashford has been a tireless campaigner on that subject this year, forcing the government into a u-turn on providing free school meals outside of term-time.

His campaign has been driven by memories of his own childhood and the sacrifices his family made and he awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

None of that has affected Rashford’s form on the pitch and he is United’s top goalscorer this season with 12 goals in 20 appearances, and it is that ability to continue performing while campaigning so passionately off the pitch that has impressed Solskjaer.

“As a human being, we have seen the true Marcus Rashford ever since he was a kid and his youth days,” said the United boss.

“You always get influenced and your character is shaped through your family, the environment you work in and where you grow up. And you see Marcus really cares about

people who have had a difficult time or aren’t as privileged as many are, or as he is now.

“He knows what they are going through. What he has done is exceptional, I have to say. Sometimes you think will this affect his football because he is such a young lad.

“I think he has taken on this responsibility in a fantastic way and balanced it really well with the football. He has a great team around him, his brother and people around him, so it’s not Marcus doing everything himself.

“He wants it to be organised by other people as well so he can balance the two most important things in his life.”

Rashford enjoyed his best season in front of goal during 2019/20 but he’s already halfway to bettering that tally of 22 goals again this season. Despite only turning 23 at the end of October he will make his 235th appearance for United this afternoon and Solskjaer believes he is destined to become one of the club’s true greats.

“Marcus is talented enough and grounded enough and driven enough to be a legend at this club,” he said.

“I have to say his statistics already show his contribution. In and around the dressing room as well, he is a Man United boy through and through. I am absolutely delighted with his contribution and he knows what Man United is all about. He has the DNA.

“Of course, I try to look after him, try to protect him.

“You never know in a footballer’s career if you are lucky or unlucky with injuries. He had a back injury last year and it is mine and the staff’s job to make sure we protect him. Because with his talent, he is always going to be a target for the opposition.

“Then again the opposition players and supporters, of course they respect him. I think everyone really respects him for what he’s done.

“Some clubs, the response we have had from them and Marcus has had from them has been unbelievable.”