Marcus Rashford

[Andi Istiabudi]

WHY RASHFORD TOOK SET-PIECES V CHELSEA

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed why Marcus Rashford was given the responsibility of taking set-pieces during last weekend's win over Chelsea.

The youngster played an important role in the 2-0 victory, leading the line in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and setting the tone with a goal after just eight minutes at Old Trafford.

It was Rashford's deep free-kick that eventually led to United's second goal - scored by Ander Herrera early in the second half - and Mourinho explained his choice after the game.

"Marcus is trustable," the manager told MUTV. "Even for the second goal, his free-kick was really high, impossible to score from a header because it was to what we call the third post - not the first or second post. But he's always tense, he's always fast, and you can always trust that [he will make] strong contact with the ball.

"The ball always goes with speed with him. With some other guys, the ball goes in the right spot but slower. Even if you win the duel in the air, it can be really difficult to score, so in this moment Marcus is one of the boys we trust. Because he's so young, he's able to keep developing that day after day; he's always with one of the assistant coaches trying to make it even better."

Mourinho says that while he was delighted by the performance against Chelsea, he's trying to keep his players focused on Thursday's vital Europa League quarter-final second leg against Anderlecht.

"I don't allow them [to get carried away]," he added. "I want these people to be calm, you know; I don't like people to be in hell when the moment is bad and I don't want people to be in paradise when the moment is good. There is no time for that. We played amazingly well, it was a great result and a good feeling for everyone, but now we play a crucial match.

"Maybe the final of the League Cup was bigger, because it was a day to bring a trophy, but this one now is to go to the semi-finals and either keep the dream alive or to finish. The result in the first leg was not phenomenal but it was positive - we are in a positive situation. When the referee starts the game, we are qualified in that moment, and we obviously have 90 minutes to keep that position.

"You know, my history and United's history - which is much more important than mine - is to be in the Champions League all the time. That's why United have never won the Europa League, and why I won it in the only year I played in the competition, back in 2002/03.

"We want to be in the Champions League, but since the beginning of the season, I keep saying 'we are not'. We are in the Europa League - that's the competition we can win. We've played 11 matches already, so let's see if we can go to the final."

www.manutd.com

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Marcus Rashford relieved to bounce back from host of missed chances and fire Manchester United into Europa League semi finals

* Marcus Rashford scored the winner for Manchester United against Anderlecht
* His extra-time goal sent Jose Mourinho's side into the Europa League semi finals
* The hosts missed a number of chances before Rashford's 107th minute winner

Matchwinner Marcus Rashford was a relieved young man after his 107th-minute goal sent Manchester United into the Europa League semi-finals.

Rashford had missed a number of chances as United were taken to extra-time by durable Anderlecht. Their hopes were also hit when Zlatan Ibrahimovic jarred his right knee in the last attack of the 90 minutes.

But Jose Mourinho's men made it and they were joined in the last four by Ajax, Celta Vigo and Lyon. The final will be in Stockholm on May 24.

Rashford said: 'All you can do is keep trying. In the second half we kept pinning them back. We had a lot of chances but we got the goal in the end.

'In games like this you've just got to keep going. We've done it the hard way but none of that matters now.'

Marcus Rashford finds the back of the net in the 107th minute to win it for Manchester United. Rashford's winner sent the Red Devils into the semi finals of the Europa League

Mourinho, asked about the injury to Ibrahimovic, was non-committal, saying: 'I cannot tell you what the injury is. I'm a coach, not a doctor.'

'I think we had 16 shots and 10 on target. The game was difficult. If somebody didn't watch the match they would say it was total domination but it was not like that. For about an hour we had good control of the game.

'At 1-1 you are in risk but from that moment we were in control. It was just a question of scoring but it was hard.

Midfielder Michael Carrick added: 'First half we didn't start well. In the second half we pegged them back and thankfully Marcus put one away. It was a tremendous finish off his left foot.'

United are driven by their desire to lift this trophy for the first time but also to clinch a place in the Champions League next season, the prize for the Europa winners.

But Carrick added: 'We don't prioritise the Premier League or this cup. We've just got to fire on all fronts.'

As for the injury to Ibrahimovic and the loss of Marcos Rojo on a stretcher in the first half, he added: 'Hopefully they're not too serious.'

United visit Burnley on Sunday, before the derby with Manchester City on Thursday. United lie fifth, four points behind City with a game in hand.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4430716/Rashford-relieved-fire-Man-United-semi-finals.html

[Andi Istiabudi]

RASHFORD HITTING FORM AT THE RIGHT TIME
Report by Adam Marshall

Goals always mean something, no matter how trivial they may appear at times in the overall scheme of things.

Sat at the Stadium of Light as Manchester United toyed with 10-man Sunderland earlier this month, it was natural to crave a third strike to emphasise the Reds' superiority over the bottom side. It was a long time coming after Henrikh Mkhitaryan's effort at the start of the second half but, when it finally arrived in the 89th minute, it was worth the wait.

After passing inside to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford had to patiently await the return ball and, when it came with precision from his Swedish colleague, the teenager advanced to bury a low drive beyond Jordan Pickford in the Black Cats' net. The coup de grace in a 3-0 win on the road but a goal that would have greater repercussions.

Not only is there often a feelgood factor associated with ending matches on a high but, on a personal level, it appears to have boosted Rashford at a crucial stage of the season. There has been no cause to criticise his performance levels all season but the strike ended a Premier League drought that extended back to 24 September, when he touched home against Leicester City at Old Trafford.

Statisticians are happy to cover such matters in their facts and figures, which must be frustrating for any forward. "What about my three goals in the Emirates FA Cup?", Marcus might ask. "They don't count on this run as it is league only", comes the reply. Never mind that the 19-year-old was usually being utilised in a wide role and that his cup goals came when he was played down the middle; the stat would get trotted out with an implication that he was suffering from 'second-season syndrome'.

United boss Jose Mourinho has backed the youngster and regularly spoken of his contentment with Rashford's work. For a manager whom it was said would be wary of supporting youth in the past, he has undeniably pinned his faith in the homegrown talent. The jet-heeled forward has played more times than any other Premier League player currently aged under 21 this term and clearly has the mentality required to succeed at the very top.

The clinical finish on Wearside provided an extra spark, perhaps even a small injection of confidence that has allowed Rashford to visibly step up a gear this month. It was his excellent first-time shot that led to Mkhitaryan's crucial away goal at Anderlecht, following a fine parry by Ruben, and his individual display against Chelsea was simply sensational.

The ice-cool shot past Asmir Begovic was the highlight of a showing brimming with bravado and attacking intent as he and pal Jesse Lingard gave the Premier League leaders a torrid afternoon at Old Trafford. Very much a man in form, the teenager was the star performer in the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Anderlecht and, of course, emerged as the hero with the extra-time winner.

Fast and fearless, Rashford has that extra spring in his step just when United need him most. At the critical phase of the season, he is coming to the fore and any absence through injury for Ibrahimovic will increase the pressure on the level-headed Mancunian.

Yet there is a sense he will not only take this in his stride but relish the responsibility. He may have looked out on his feet after scoring on Thursday but still gamely attempted to chase through balls designed to expose defenders who were also tiring. Whether he will be allowed a rest as United's taxing schedule continues is up for debate but Rashford appears to be a young man on a mission.

Three goals in four games provides some evidence of his red-hot form but there is much more to the story than this. Defenders appear petrified of the Academy graduate's pace and it can be the key ingredient in ensuring a successful end to the season for Mourinho's side.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not represent those of Manchester United.

www.manutd.com

[zudomiriku]

Manchester United starlet Marcus Rashford hails 'irreplaceable' lessons from Zlatan Ibrahimovic as he extols the club's black boot policy

* Marcus Rashford is having to fill Zlatan Ibrahimovic's void at Manchester United
* The youngster has hailed Ibrahimovic's influence on his development as a player
* Rashford also is a fan of the black boot only policy in the Old Trafford academy

Marcus Rashford may now be having to fill in the cavernous void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic's injury but believes he is in a better place to do so because of the Swede.

Ibrahimovic is in America being treated by Pittsburgh-based surgeon Dr Freddie Fuand and is set to undergo surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament, as well as any other complications with the knee joint.

With Ibrahimovic out for the long-term and the supporting cast of captain Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial apparently down the pecking order, Rashford has been thrust into the central role at United for the crucial period of their season.

The 19-year-old, who exploded on to the scene last season with a series of crucial goals that earned him a place in England Euro 2016 squad, is now back as the centre of attention after spending the majority of the season out of the limelight.

Rashford says he is better having been bumped out wide to accommodate to Ibrahimovic and from having learnt at the Swede's side.


Now is the time for Manchester United to find out if Marcus Rashford is able to lead the line . Rashford says he would prefer to black boots but wears what his sponsors provide him

'You will see the benefits in years to come,' he told the Telegraph. 'What I have learnt from [Ibrahimovic] is irreplaceable.'

Adding: 'I didn't feel uncomfortable in the wide role [initially], but when something is different it takes a while to get used to it. For me the development has been going great all the way through.'

Under previous regimes at Old Trafford, academy players were only permitted to wear black boots. Despite having earned his colours Rashford says he would prefer to keep it traditional.

'Growing up here at United there was a black boot only policy (in the academy). From being a kid here at nine-years-old there has always been that black boot policy,' said Rashford.

'At the start you don't really buy into it but by the end you learn to love it as well. Probably would always wear them if it was my choice!

'Nowadays with sponsorships it is a case of 'there is the boot, you wear it' and there is not much you can do about it. However, if it was my choice it would always be black.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4445786/Man-Utd-s-Rashford-hails-irreplaceable-Zlatan-lessons.html

[zudomiriku]

Jose Mourinho praises Marcus Rashford's love of the game as he reveals Manchester United star started Celta Vigo game injured

* Manchester United beat Celta Vigo in first leg of their Europa League semi-final
* Marcus Rashford's goal from a free kick is the difference at the halfway stage
* Boss Jose Mourinho said afterwards that Rashford started the game injured
* Mourinho also praised Rashford for his dedication to football and United

Jose Mourinho hailed teenager striker Marcus Rashford after his stunning free-kick put Manchester United within touching distance of the Europa League final.

Rashford scored a precious away goal after 67 minutes at Celta Vigo to earn a 1-0 triumph and put United in the box seat for next Thursday's second leg at Old Trafford.

Mourinho said: 'He's a 19-year-old kid but he's a 19-year-old kid in love with football. He is a kid who finishes a training session and stays half an hour more every day to take free-kicks and to wait for the opportunity.


Jose Mourinho said Marcus Rashford started Thursday's Europa League game injured

'It's his mentality. He works and works and works. He's very mature. He trains, he practises, he enjoys the extra work. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was not with us.
The position of the free-kick was not Paul Pogba's favourite so Marcus took it.

'It's a great free-kick because with the speed of the ball it's impossible for the keeper to save it. And he could have scored in the first half too.'

Rashford hobbled off after his goal and Mourinho said he had gone into the game less than 100 per cent.

Mourinho's only concern was that the margin of victory wasn't greater. He said: 'We played really well. It was a very good performance and we deserved to win by more. We had to play against a very negative record of Manchester United in Spain so it's a good result. Let's hope Old Trafford wants the win because when Old Trafford wants it, we win.

'The result could have been better and we need to respect Celta because of what they have achieved in this competition. But we will do that. I have too much experience.'

Celta Vigo's beaten coach Eduardo Berizzo added of Rashford: 'I'm saying nothing new if I say that he is really fast and really dangerous. But we have to get our own players into the second leg more. This is not over yet.'

Mourinho confirmed he would play a second string against Arsenal on Sunday, adding: 'The players who have played a lot of minutes — we played nine matches in April and this one, so it's 10 matches in four and a half weeks — those players are not going to play next weekend.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4475126/Mourinho-says-Rashford-started-Celta-Vigo-game-injured.html

[Andi Istiabudi]

MOURINHO'S TRUST IS "MASSIVE" FOR RASHFORD

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford admits it was "massive" for him to receive a public declaration of faith from manager Jose Mourinho.

Rashford's attitude has been frequently praised by Mourinho during the season, with the boss declaring after last month’s win over Chelsea that the 19-year-old had become one of his most trusted players.

"It's a massive thing when a manager like him says that," Rashford told Premier League Productions.

"The best thing about it is that you've earned it. He didn't just come in and say 'there you go – play every game'. He's made us all work for his trust and respect.

"Sometimes it's difficult and sometimes it's easier but the players are all battling and improving to work for him. It's massive for us and you can see how everyone’s come on this year."

Rashford's importance to the team has been heightened since Zlatan Ibrahimovic's season was ended through injury in April and, with a top-four league finish now mathematically impossible after Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, the forward may find himself being rested ahead of next week's Europa League final.

There are two more league fixtures before United can focus fully on facing Ajax in Stockholm: Wednesday's trip to Southampton and Sunday's final home game against Crystal Palace.

"We've got to keep fighting till the end," said Rashford, who has made 51 appearances so far this season. "As individuals, the way we're made at this club is we want to win every game, no matter what game it is and what circumstances we're in. It's going to be the same approach until the end of the season."

Nevertheless, Rashford is looking forward to the trip to Sweden, where he'll hope to feature in his first European final and help the team bring a long season to a successful conclusion.

"Finals are always an exciting moment and, now we're there, we just want to win the game," he said.

"We've had so many games in the Europa League, so we've got many different experiences together and it's done us good getting this far. If we can go there and win it now, it's going to be big for the team."

www.manutd.com

[Andi Istiabudi]

RASHFORD: WE CHANNELLED OUR EMOTIONS

Marcus Rashford says the Manchester United players channelled their emotions in Stockholm, in the wake of the terror attack back home, to claim the UEFA Europa League title.

Goals from Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan ensured the Reds beat AFC Ajax 2-0 at the Friends Arena to secure a third trophy in Jose Mourinho's first season in charge and complete the club's all-time collection of major honours. The triumph came less than 48 hours after the appalling tragedy at the Manchester Arena.

"It's difficult to go into a game when something like that has happened," Rashford told MUTV.

"There are a lot of emotions but I think you have to take those emotions and turn them into a positive. Everyone did that and I think you could see how it brought us all together."

The success in Sweden means United's next European fixture will be the UEFA Super Cup match against either Juventus or Real Madrid on 8 August. Champions League football will swiftly follow in September, fulfilling an ambition that Rashford and his team-mates began the current 64-match campaign with.

"Yes, that's where we wanted to be when this season started in August," admitted the 19-year-old, who became the youngest Englishman to start a major European final since Nottingham Forest's Gary Mills in 1980.

"It's been a long season, we've played a lot of games. We've not had a lot of players in the squad due to injury but everyone pushed through and we've done it.

"Winning the Europa League final was not just about who scored the goals or the players that played against Ajax," added Rashford. "It was about all of us that have worked so hard to get to this point."

Jesse Lingard echoed the thoughts of his team-mate and said the players were well aware of the significance of their victory for the city of Manchester, as well as its importance to the club.

"It's a dark time and we knew we had to win to give something back to Manchester," Lingard told MUTV.

"Manchester is a great city. At times like this, we have to come together. It's going to take a lot of work but it's a great city and we have to come together. Other cities and other countries can recognise that."

As for matters on the pitch, Jesse concluded: "It's been a long season. Coming out of it at the end with another trophy is what everyone has pushed each other to do."

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[Andi Istiabudi]

ANDY COLE OFFERS ADVICE TO RASHFORD

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has passed on some words of advice to Marcus Rashford as he expects the youngster to continue his rapid progress next season in attack for the Reds.

Rashford appeared in more games than any of his colleagues last term and was particularly key to the successful run in the Europa League. As he prepares for England's World Cup qualifier against Scotland, the 19-year-old has certainly handled his meteoric rise to stardom.

Any fears of a problematic second season were dismissed and he eventually forced himself into the side on a regular basis, leading the line with maturity following Zlatan Ibrahimovic's injury.

"He keeps learning and keeps progressing," Cole told MUTV at the launch of the Legends game against Barcelona at Old Trafford on 2 September. "I think the start of the season was tough for him but what I liked about him was he went back to basics.

"How he got into the team was by getting in behind and stretching teams because no team likes players running in behind. He's got pace in abundance and, from there, he gets enough space in his feet to run at people and, when he got back in the team, I thought he did really well.

"He is looking more and more like a centre-forward, aiming to get more and more goals, and he has got to be more clinical but that will come with age. He is only a baby. He's learned from some good players, Zlatan and Wayne Rooney, and you've got to learn off players like that. It's about taking bits of their game and adding it to your game so, come next season, he'll be even better for it.

"The experience is a good thing and, as a young man, all you've got to keep doing now is to keep your feet firmly on the floor. How can I keep learning? How can I become a better player? How can I add different things to my game. I think the players he has around him will help him do just that."

Rashford's close friendship with Jesse Lingard is akin to the one Cole enjoyed with Dwight Yorke during their time at Old Trafford but the Treble-winner accepts strike partnerships are becoming a thing of the past. Cole was also part of another of the most iconic strike pairings in Premier League history, with Peter Beardsley at Newcastle United, but realises the current trend is to operate with a different formation.

When the dearth of strike partnerships in the current division was put to him, he replied: "Not at the moment because everyone seems to play one up front. When you do get two players up front or one just in behind and it works, everyone talks about it and rightly so.

"The game will always keep moving on but it's about playing together and trying to get as many goals as possible and for the team to be winning.

"Marcus does look really close to Jesse and you can see it when they're playing as well. I think, come next season, Marcus will be more experienced, and Jesse as well, and their combination will get even better."

Tickets for the Legends match, which will be live on MUTV, are on sale at manutd.com/legendsareback. Prices start from £20 for adults and £5 for under-16s, with hospitality packages available from £125. All proceeds will go to Manchester United Foundation’s work across Greater Manchester.

www.manutd.com

[Andi Istiabudi]

Belajarlah dari Van Nistelrooy soal Bikin Gol, Rashford
Rifqi Ardita Widianto - detikSport



Manchester - Marcus Rashford dinilai punya potensi untuk menjadi pencetak gol ulung. Untuk mempertajam instingnya, dia diminta mempelajari cara bermain Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Rashford sejauh ini mencatatkan 19 gol dari 71 penampilan bareng Manchester United di seluruh ajang. Tapi angka ini tak serta merta bisa dijadikan patokan ketajamannya, karena pemain 19 tahun itu kerap dimainkan di posisi sayap untuk membuka celah lawan.

Secara potensi, dia dinilai punya insting gol yang relatif baik dan tinggal perlu dipoles lagi. Mantan pelatih yang dulu menanganinya di akademi klub, Paul McGuinness, percaya Rashford bisa menjadi pencetak gol yang mumpuni jika terus mempertajam 'penciumannya' akan gol.

McGuinness menilai mengamati cara bermain Van Nistelrooy akan pas untuk mengembangkan aspek tersebut di permainan Rashford. Van Nistelrooy selalu dikenal dengan penempatan posisinya yang bagus, sehingga sering berada di tempat dan waktu yang pas untuk bikin gol.

"Marcus bisa mencetak segala macam gol. Tapi untuk menjadi seorang penyerang tipe pencetak gol, Anda perlu lebih banyak tipe gol-gol seperti yang dibikin Ruud van Nistelrooy," kata McGuinness kepada Manchester Evening News.

"Kalau bolanya membentur kiper, ada Ruud. Kalau bolanya membentur mistar, tiang gawang, atau pemain, dia ada di posisi yang pas."

"Marcus punya jangkauan permainan yang lebih luas. Tapi dia butuh lebih banyak gol-gol macam itu," imbuhnya dikutip Express.

Nistelrooy mencetak total 150 gol di 218 penampilannya bersama MU di seluruh ajang. Sepanjang kariernya, dia dicatat transfermarkt mencetak 324 gol dalam 511 pertandingan.

[Andi Istiabudi]

Rashford Dulu Pernah Ingin Main seperti Pirlo
Randy Prasatya - detikSport



Jakarta - Saat ini Marcus Rashford dikenal sebagai penyerang muda Manchester United. Padahal dulu di masa lalu ia justru pernah ingin main di lini tengah seperti Andrea Pirlo.

Rashford memulai debut profesionalnya pada 25 Februari 2016 saat MU mengalahkan Midtjylland 5-1 di ajang Liga Europa. Dia menyumbang dua gol di laga itu dan sejauh ini penyerang 19 tahun tersebut terus jadi mengisi sektor depan 'Setan Merah'.

Menariknya, sebagaimana diungkap Paul McGuinness yang pernah melatih Rashford di tim junior MU, pada satu waktu pemain bersangkutan justru memiripkan cara mainnya dengan Pirlo yang seorang kreator di lini tengah.

"Kami memutuskan, diri saya, Warren Joyce, dan Colin Little, bahwa dia sangat oke. Dia bisa menjadi pemain No 10, seorang pemain sayap, melewati pemain lawan, dia juga biasa turun ke lini tengah," kata McGuiness kepada Manchester Evening News.

"Ada satu turnamen ketika dia ingin bermain seperti Pirlo. Tapi kami melihat potensinya menjadi striker. Kami menempa bentuk tubuhnya, menyesuaikan dengan gaya-gaya lari berbeda.

"Dia benar-benar pemuda cerdas dalam hal sepakbola. Ia meningkat pesat. Colin Little memoles penyelesaian akhirnya. Kami memulainya di laga tandang. Ia terus berusaha mengasahnya sepanjang waktu," bebernya.