RASHFORD’S RON THE RIGHT TRACK
Solskjaer hails red-hot young striker and insists he can make same impact on United as Ronaldo
MARCUS RASHFORD has already been compared to Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo for his stunning free-kick technique.
Now, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Rashford can have the same impact for United as Ronaldo, and has challenged him to emulate the five-time Ballon d’or winner.
Rashford has plundered 13 goals for United already this term, equalling his career-best haul for a season, including the opener in Saturday’s 2-1 derby win at rivals Manchester City.
The England striker has emerged as United’s star player, just as Ronaldo was before him.
At 22, Rashford has played 191 games for the Reds, scoring 58 goals. At the exact same age, Ronaldo had made 175 appearances for United, managing 44 goals. With Rashford ahead of Ronaldo, goals-wise, at this stage of his career, United boss Solskjaer doesn’t think comparisons between the two are fanciful.
“It’s very easy to compare the two of them, yeah,” said Solskjaer.
“Both with skills, body shape, attitude, attributes – everything.
“The boy has every chance in the world to become a top, top player. Let’s hope he continues like this.
“I don’t want to talk about the amount of goals.
“As long as he keeps being positive and being direct, and thinking about getting in front of the goal and getting chances, he’ll score goals.” After a steady, if unspectacular, start at United, then-rookie Ronaldo kicked on in the 2006-07 season, then plundered a phenomenal 42 from 49 games the following campaign. He helped United to a Premier League and Champions League double that year, before moving to Real Madrid for a then-world -record fee of £80million.
Rashford has a way to go to match those numbers, but is in the best form of his career.
“For a forward, consistency plays a big part,” said Rashford. “I’ve been playing every game in the league and have been getting regular chances in front of goal as well.
“When you feel good in front of goal and you’re getting regular opportunities, if you miss a few it doesn’t matter, because you’re confident that when the next one comes you’ll put it away.”
Although Rashford scored at the Etihad, he could have had a hat-trick inside the first half-hour, having hit the bar and dragged a golden chance wide.
“I was unlucky with one that hit the bar, and the one from Fred, when I tried to go first time,” said Rashford.
“These are little things that, if we can nail them down, we can be coming in at half-time three or four goals up. For us, then the game is finished, and these are the things we can improve on.”
Harry Maguire, United captain on the day, praised Rashford and the rest of the Red Devils’ attack, that included Daniel James, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard.
Maguire said: “The front four were frightening, and when they’re on their game like that, they can cause any defence problems.”