THE TEEN MACHINE Carrick: Rashford
Gives every thing
MICHAEL CARRICK has predicted super-kid Marcus Rashford is so grounded he can survive the hype machine that claims so many football prodigies.
After 11 years at Manchester United – winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League – Carrick has been around the block and seen even seasoned stars struggle with performing under the Old Trafford spotlight.
He believes Rashford is already proving he can deal with the challenges of being a United striker, but is urging fans and critics ritics not to expect miracles es from the 19-year-old.
All eyes will be on the Europa League goal hero at Turf Moor t oday as United try to win at Burnley and maintainn their pursuit of a topopfour finish.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic ( above) sidelined after falling awkwardly in the quarter- final Euro win over Anderlecht, the goalscoring burden is firmly on Rashford’s shoulders.
Carrick said: “Yes, people will expect him to step up but we forget how young he is and don’t underestimate the pressures of playing for this club, week in and week out.
“He’s still such a young boy – well, boy’s a bit harsh, but young lad. He’s going all the time and he’s got a great attitude. He listens, he learns, he gives everything.
“He won us the game against Anderlecht, it was a massive goal for us and he was also terrific last weekend against Chelsea.
Consistency
“He’sHe got an extra spring in his step. But he’s come on s so that fast expectationand all otof a rises suddenand goes through the roof. “So I’m not going to come out with some crazy s statement about his fu future. He’s doing terrific, in theth right place to develop and the future looks bright. “He’s got the right attitude and he’s giving himself the best chance. This campaign has been a roller- coaster for Rashford after he burst on the scene under Louis van Gaal.
After a 20-game goalless spell for United and England from September to January, Rashford then endured another barren run, going nine games without a goal for club or country which ended at Sunderland recently.
That kick-started the youngster again but Carrick claims the topsyturvy nature of his form this season is merely a natural progression.
“It’s just development. You are going to have times when things might not go quite the way you want it – consistency if you like and especially at that age,” he said.
“It’s experience and he hasn’t been playing for the first team that long. But he’s showing he’s taken his game on and I’m sure he’ll continue to do that.”
Rashford’s best pal Jesse Lingard knows all about having to perform as a United youngster – but he has no fears for the teenager.
He said: “Marcus is very mature and humble. That three-month gap when he didn’t score didn’t faze him. He is always going to score goals no matter what position he plays – winger or up front.”