Darmian: Rashford Can Be A World Star

Matteo Darmian has tipped his Manchester United team-mate Marcus Rashford to become “one of the most important players in the world”, once he fulfils his incredible potential.

The 19-year-old registered the 16th goal of his exciting senior career by breaking the deadlock in Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Premier League leaders Chelsea at Old Trafford, where he led the attack for manager Jose Mourinho while top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic sat on the bench due to tiredness.

Rashford’s composed finish past goalkeeper Asmir Begovic was naturally the highlight of his performance, yet the teenager’s energy and dynamic running also earned him plenty of praise.

Darmian also produced an impressive display at left-back and the Italy international spoke to reporters after the match, when he was quizzed on the form and promise of United’s no.19.

“Of course, he took his goal very well,” Matteo said. “Marcus is a great player and he’s still very, very young. I think he’s very important for us with his quality. He can be one of the top players, one of the most important players in the world, because he’s very good in every part of the game.

“He has a very good shot, good movement, speed and like a striker sometimes every ball that he touches he scores. Sometimes it’s also normal that they have a period where they don’t score. But I hope he can continue like this, to help the team reach the objectives.”

Sunday’s comfortable win over Antonio Conte’s league leaders has boosted hopes of qualifying for the Champions League by finishing in the top four, and Darmian admits the result provides a lift.

“These kinds of games give us confidence and everyone is concentrating in this end of the season because we know we play for two big opportunities,” said Matteo. “One is the Europa League and the second is to finish in the top four because I think playing in the Champions League is a big objective for next season for us. So, we have to fight and try to win as many games as possible.”

United’s attention now turns to Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Anderlecht, in which the score is currently 1-1 on aggregate following the draw in Belgium.

“We know that it will be a difficult game but we are playing at home in front of our fans and we want to advance into the semi-finals of the Europa League,” explained Darmian. 

“So we have to be focused, with the same attitude, the same attention, the same ambition as today and I think it can be a good night. We have to try to win, which is the most important thing.”