Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring for Manchester United at Tottenham
Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring for Manchester United at Tottenham

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs praises 'all-round brilliant' Marcus Rashford - exclusive


Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has praised in-form Marcus Rashford, who is now thriving under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The England forward, 21, has been played in a more central role by Solskjaer since Jose Mourinho’s departure, and the Red Devils have been reaping the benefits with four goals and an assist in his last six appearances in all competitions.

The Norweigian chief has preferred to play Rashford in the number nine role over Romelu Lukaku and Giggs has enjoyed watching the academy product - a persistent threat - terrorise opposition defences.

“I’m glad to see Marcus Rashford getting a run in his favoured position,” the Wales boss exclusively told Sporting Life.

“He has played on the left and the right (in his Man United career) and a lot has been said about whether he can play centre forward and if he is a born goal scorer. He is a brilliant player and I am glad to see him getting a run up front."

Sky Bet: Back Marcus Rashford to score anytime against Brighton at 21/20

READ: Giggs provides his thoughts on spygate

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (left) and Marcus Rashford
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (left) and Marcus Rashford

Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs: A big fan of Marcus Rashford

“I know he played on the right against Tottenham but he is such a danger, he is making the difference which top centre forwards do in tight games. He scored the winning goal and that is a massive confidence boost for him and the team.”

Rashford is set to be rewarded for his good form with a new bumper contract at Old Trafford, according to reports, and Giggs is pleased to see him not only scoring, but putting in the mileage for the benefit of the team too.

The 13-time Premier League winner continued: “To have someone like that who defends from the front and works hard, even if he is not scoring, he contributes to the game which the so called goal scorer don’t always do. He is an all-round brilliant player.

“He is a fans’ favourite because he came through the ranks, an exciting player and as a fan, for me, it is exciting to see him doing well.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer instructs his Manchester United players
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer instructs his Manchester United players in Dubai

Solskjaer is aiming to make it seven successive wins in charge of Man United when his side take on Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Giggs, 45, has been impressed by how his former team-mate has gone about his business and improved the atmosphere within the team in such a short space of time.

“I’m not surprised by how he has done,” Giggs said.

“At any level when you win six on the trot it is a fantastic achievement, obviously everyone says they are games he should have won but there were some tricky games – Newcastle and Tottenham both away for example.

“Ole has done fantastic, the players have as well, the place has been lifted. It’s a different atmosphere now, I’ve been to a couple of games and it’s been brilliant, the manner we’ve won them by scoring lots of goals.

“Then we had to dig a result out at Tottenham, first half we were fantastic and the second David De Gea put on an amazing performance and we rode our luck a little bit. You have to do that to win games sometimes.”

Marcus Rashford to score and Manchester United to win features in our Premier League tips for Saturday. Click the image below to see what our tipster recommends siding with…

Sporting Life's Premier League preview package

Odds correct as of 2115 GMT on 18/01/19

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