Rashford is not keeping an eye on the neighbours

MARCUS RASHFORD says secondplaced Manchester United are just focusing on themselves amid Premier League leaders Manchester City’s record-breaking run.

Pep Guardiola’s relentless side knocked the Red Devils off top spot on January 26 and have gone on to build a ten-point lead at the summit.

City maintained their momentum with victory over Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, while United’s 3-1 win against Newcastle prevented them from losing further ground.

It was just a second success in six league matches for boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who spoke of the need to keep plugging away and remain focused on what his team can control, comments echoed by Rashford. ‘We have to concentrate on ourselves and our performances,’ he said.

‘I think we’ve said all season we’re a team that’s still improving, learning lessons about ourselves every game.

‘We have to concentrate on ourselves and keep giving the best version of us. Ultimately that’s going to make us win the games.’

Second-half goals from Daniel James and Bruno Fernandes wrapped up victory at Old Trafford, where Allan SaintMaximin cancelled out Rashford’s impressive 18th goal of the season.

Asked if he is looking to surpass last season’s 22-goal haul, he said: ‘Yeah, definitely. I think year-on-year I try and kick on and just improve on the previous year.

‘It’s something that I don’t put too much emphasis on but if it happens I’ll be happy. Now it’s just about recovery and get ready for the next Europa League game.’

Rashford (left) made his name in the Europa League, having scored twice on his debut against FC Midtjylland in February 2016.

Shola Shoretire became the latest to make his United debut on Sunday, with the 17-year-old a substitute against Newcastle.

‘He’s even younger than what I was,’ Rashford said. ‘I think when they make their debut eventually, they actually kick on from that and hopefully we see the same from him.’