Rashford is ready to be the main man
AS Manchester United approach the business end of their season, all eyes are on boy wonder Marcus Rashford.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo set for extended spells out after both suffered significant knee ligament damage during Thursday’s Europe League win over Anderlecht, Rashford will be the main man up front.
But as he showed with his extra-time winner over the Belgians and another goal in last Sunday’s win over Premier League leaders Chelsea, Rashford can rise to the occasion.
That is going to be vital as United chase the Champions League spot they crave. The Europa League route still looks the most likely as they face a semi-final against Spanish side Celta Vigo.
But first, there are three Premier League games to focus the minds as they try to claim a top-four spot.
First up is a trip to Burnley this afternoon followed by the Manchester derby away to City on Thursday night and then Swansea at home next Sunday.
Rashford hasn’t always appeared to have the complete trust of manager Jose Mourinho, but the message appears to have clicked in recent weeks.
And veteran midfielder Michael Carrick has noticed an upturn in Rashford’s play. But a wise old head like Carrick knows the ups and downs that a 19-yearold can have.
“Marcus can replace Zlatan but we forget how young he is,” he says.
“Don’t underestimate the pressures of playing for this club, week-in and week-out.
“He’s still such a young lad. But improving all the time and he has a great attitude. He listens, he learns, he gives everything.
“He won us the game against Anderlecht. That was a massive goal for us and he was terrific last weekend against Chelsea.
“There is an extra spring in his step at the moment, which is great.
“But it is all part of the development and the age he is at.
“You are going to have times when things might not go the way you want – consistency if you like, especially at that age.
“It’s experience and he hasn’t been playing for the first team for that long.
“He has come on so fast and then all of a sudden that expectation goes through the roof. But he’s showing he has taken his game on.”
While Carrick has played with some great strikers, he is unwilling to put too much hype upon Rashford’s young shoulders.
“I’m not going to come out with some crazy statement about his future,” he cautions.
“Marcus is doing terrific. He’s in the right place to develop and the future looks bright.
“He has the right attitude, he’s a good lad and he is giving himself the best chance.”
Rashford’s emergence over the last year for United and England has been mirrored by that of his team-mate Jesse Lingard.
But as five years his senior, Lingard feels like an older brother to his young pal.
That has meant sticking up for Rashford when defenders have tried to knock him around, as in the Manchester derby last season and away in Slovenia on England duty.
“I was there for Rashy when he came through and made his debut,” says Lingard.
“I knew he had to keep his feet on the ground and be humble, which he always has been, and will be throughout his career.
“So when I see players pushing him about, I don’t like it, especially the City match. But it’s good for him to know I’m there for him.
“Marcus is always going to score goals no matter what position he plays, winger or up front.
“He is so direct when he gets the ball. He gets the fans off their feet.
“There is great chemistry between us. Chelsea couldn’t contain it and, hopefully, we can take that into the Burnley game.”