Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has compared Marcus Rashford to Kylian Mbappe and claimed that there is "almost no better player in the world" when the Englishman "is on the back of the defending line".
Rashford has been in strong form for the Red Devils during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring eight goals and registering three assists in 19 appearances in all competitions.
The 25-year-old also impressed for England at the 2022 World Cup, scoring three times in five appearances, with the Three Lions reaching the quarter-finals of the competition.
Ten Hag has said that he "recognised huge potential" when he first arrived at Man United, and the Dutchman has compared the Englishman to Mbappe, who is widely regarded as currently the best player in world football due to his starring performances for Paris Saint-Germain and France.
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"From the first moment, I recognised huge potential," the Manchester Evening News quotes Ten Hag as saying. "And now to get out the potential, I believe when Marcus's positioning is on the back of the defending line, there is almost no better player in the world.
"There is Mbappe in this moment, a type like him. But when he (Rashford)'s getting in that position, he's great and you see he's really improved also out of possession.
"You see the second goal against Wales when he's winning the ball for the team and then it was (Phil) Foden who finished and I see him do that all the time, the first press. He's doing a really good job there for England.
"One of the first things I said to him was come to training and smile. We bring him exercises that hopefully bring players joy. They have to be effective but they have to be joyful as well and that gives you energy when you are happy. When you see the benefit of it you can be happy.
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"Actually, Marcus was one from the start who came with a smile to Carrington and left with a smile day by day. And from the first moment, it really was a joy to work with him. I recognise his talent and his finishing talent [is] great.
"For instance, the headed goal against West Ham United, I don't think he makes goals like that so often. But he's investing in it, I triggered him a little bit, he worked with our specific coaches on it, on finishing with headers and then you see he got the benefit from it.
"So when I say he is the one who plays on the shoulder from the defending line, make sure you're coming in such situations and it's really difficult to stop him."
There is currently speculation surrounding Rashford's future, with PSG and Barcelona both believed to be keen to sign him next year.
The forward's current contract is due to expire in June 2023, but Ten Hag has confirmed that a 12-month extension in his deal will be activated while the club seemingly work on a new long-term agreement.
Matt Law
