I have so much respect for Marcus. He has shown we can use our position to make the world better
PSG STAR MBAPPE ADMIRES RASHFORD FOR HIS SKILLS ON THE PITCH AND HIS CAMPAIGNING WORK OFF IT
MARCUS RASHFORD has won millions of new fans beyond football this year with his formidable work tackling child poverty in the UK.
Among the Manchester United striker’s legion of new admirers is Paris Saint- Germain and France forward Kylian Mbappe, his opposite number tonight in the Champions League.
The last time the two sides met in Paris, Rashford scored a late penalty to secure an epic 3- 1 victory against all the odds – and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the United job on a permanent basis. Since then, Rashford’s profile has soared, forcing a Government U- turn on the provision of free school meals to vulnerable children, his relentless campaigning earning the 22- year- old an MBE. Mbappe, 21, has been impressed with Rashford and said he knew he was a special talent when he kept his cool under pressure to convert the penalty that broke PSG’s hearts in March last year.
“When you take a penalty in that situation, how much practice you have put on the training ground doesn’t matter,” said Mbappe.
“It’s about confidence and he’s a player who plays with so much confidence.
“He’s one of the most dangerous forward players in England. Paul Pogba has spoken about how special he is – and he doesn’t talk about players in such a way often.”
Mbappe has his own charity in his native France, helping underprivileged children, and recognises a kindred spirit in Rashford.
“To tackle an issue as important as child poverty is one of the most important things somebody can do,” said Mbappe.
“So I have full respect that he’s been doing that and trying to make a real change. I think there is a requirement for players to use their position to make a difference in the world. We’ve been given so much and it’s important we give back.”
They have been lauded for their work off the field but for Rashford and Mbappe tonight it is all about their exploits on the field as they begin their Champions
League campaigns. that
Recalling their agonising defeat by United in Paris, which saw them go out on away goals after a 2- 0 win at Old Trafford, Mbappe insisted: “What happened in previous seasons is not important anymore. This club has a clear ambition to win the Champions League.”
Just 58 days ago in Lisbon, PSG were beaten 1- 0 in the final by Bayern Munich and Mbappe added: “Last season we came close, but close is not good enough for us anymore.
“We have some of the best players in Europe and the target is clear.”
United may have got back on track with Saturday’s 4- 1 win at Newcastle but doubts remain over the consistency of Solskjaer’s side. The Reds have conceded 12 goals in four Premier League games this season, although Mbappe said domestic form counts for nothing tonight.
Asked if United’s defensive vulnerability was something PSG could exploit, Mbappe said: “We haven’t even thought about this. They are a team that has many good players and we have to treat the game with respect.
“Their form in the Premier League is not relevant. They have players that can hurt any team and we must be ready
for them.”
He plays with so much confidence