Touchline rivals united in praise of young striker

Marcus Rashford achieved the nearimpossible yesterday at Old Trafford by uniting adversaries Louis Van Gaal and Arsene Wenger in appreciation of his debut double.

The 18-year-old built on his midweek brace against FC Midtylland with the first two goals as his side put a huge dent in the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes with a 3-2 win.

For a clash with such gladiatorial history – the pressure got to Van Gaal when he threw himself to the ground in protest at an alleged dive by Alexis Sanchez – it ranks as another in Rashford’s rocketing list of recent achievements.

Wenger admitted: “The player who was surprising for me talent-wise was Rashford because of the timing of his movement and his intelligence.

“His movement in the box was great and he could be a very positive surprise for Manchester United on what I’ve seen today.”

Van Gaal paid tribute to Rashford, who lashed home United’s opener in the 29th minute then headed a superb second just two minutes later, as well as setting up the decisive third for Ander Herrera.

The Dutchman said Rashford had surprised him by producing an even better performance than that which swept aside the Danes in midweek – but added a note of caution.

Van Gaal said: “I think his performance was better than the first match. Normally the first matches a debutant plays are good, but it is the consistency – he has to show it in the third, fourth, fifth match. But what he showed in his second match is special, I think.”

The defeat leaves Arsenal five points behind leaders Leicester City, who secured a 1-0 win over Norwich on Saturday with a late goal from Leonardo Ulloa.

Tottenham stayed two points behind after coming from behind to beat Swansea 2-1 with goals from Nacer Chadli and Danny Rose.

Marcus Rashford: four goals in two games.