Gary Pallister: Rashford won’t make backward step like Januzaj
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Marcus Rashford’s rise to prominence has happened at incredible speed. Less than four months after making his Manchester United debut, he was in action for England at Euro 2016.
But many promising young talents – from Federico Macheda to Nick Powell have failed to establish themselves at Old Trafford.
However, Man United legend Gary Pallister told Ladbrokes News that Rashford’s attributes mean the 18-year-old will continue to thrive at the highest level.
“Marcus has shown himself to be a tremendous talent”, Pallister said. “He will need to be nurtured and helped along the way”.
And the four-time Premier League winner rubbished any idea of United’s young star struggling to get game-time under Jose Mourinho, who has tended to put his trust in established names ahead of young talent.
“[Rashford] will get his chances in the first-team under Mourinho. He’s had an unbelievable start at the club, and he’s too good to leave out right now”, claimed the man with 22 England caps.
However, Pallister, who spent nine years playing under Sir Alex Ferguson is aware of the pitfalls of over-reliance on a young player – and the importance of attitude in United’s rising stars.
“We have to be careful how we use [Marcus]”, explained Pallister.
“It wasn’t too long ago we had a young star called Adnan Januzaj coming through, and people were saying what incredible talent he had, but his career has taken a backward step – so much so that there’s now talk of him leaving the club.”
But Pallister is convinced that Rashford’s behaviour on and off the pitch is a recipe for continued success and progression.
“There are pitfalls which can befall any young player if they don’t continue to step up. But Marcus is a very level-headed guy, he’s eager to learn and has kept his feet firmly on the ground”, the legendary centre-back explained.
“I’m sure Mourinho will nurture that talent.”
Man United are 3/4 to kick off their Premier League campaign with victory at Bournemouth on Sunday.
And if Rashford can get himself on the scoresheet at Dean Court, those odds of 50/1 for him to finish the season as Premier League top scorer could begin to tumble.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
