Pallister Impressed By Youngsters' Maturity

Gary Pallister has saluted two of Manchester United’s young starlets – Marcus Rashford and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson - for the maturity they have shown since being given their chance to shine in the first team.

Rashford famously burst on to the scene with four goals in his first two games to secure important wins over Midtjylland and Arsenal recently, while Borthwick-Jackson has made 12 appearances since being handed his debut at the start of November.

Pallister praised the scoring contribution of Rashford, but the former defender has been particularly impressed with the way Borthwick-Jackson has grown into his role in the back four.

“Well, the one everyone is talking about is Marcus Rashford. To score four goals in your first two games is every player’s dream. At 18, to show the composure he’s shown and the maturity has been terrific. [Cameron] Borthwick-Jackson has stood out as well. I think he’s grown with every game he’s played in this first team,” explained Pally in an interview with ManUtd.com.

“He looked a little bit nervy when he first came, no doubt a bit surprised to be playing so early in his career, but I really like the way he’s grown and the maturity he’s shown has been fantastic. It’s great to see young kids getting their chance as they always do at Manchester United and let’s hope they can continue to grow.”

A host of the Reds’ young stars could be involved in the squad for Sunday’s Manchester derby as Louis van Gaal’s men prepare for a huge trip to the Etihad Stadium. Mixed results for both teams of late have resulted in United being just four points behind the Blues.

“You wouldn’t have thought it would be the case but we are right back in it,” declared Pallister. “If we can pull off results against City and West Ham when we play them [in the league] then that fourth spot is up for the grabs.

"Arsenal and City have had their problems lately and Leicester have moved on up on the back of that and stolen a march on everyone and, fair play to them, because some of their football has been terrific. And they’ve not shown any sign of nerves.”

In terms of key men in Sunday's derby clash, Pallister spoke about the importance of two players for the Reds.

“You need to keep Sergio Aguero quiet, so someone like Chris Smalling will be important. I think he’s had a terrific season and you’ll be looking to someone like him to put the shackles on Aguero and stop the threat he poses. We’ve also got to look to hurt the City back four,” he added. “We’ll be looking to someone like [Anthony] Martial with his searing pace to make it an uncomfortable afternoon for City's defenders.”