Merson: Rashford Uses His Pace Like Henry

Paul Merson sees similarities between Marcus Rashford and Thierry Henry in the way he utilises pace.

Rashford, who has scored three goals in his last four appearances, put in a fine performance in the 2-0 win over Chelsea last Sunday.

And Merson, speaking on Soccer Saturday, says United are a better team with Rashford starting up front.

Asked if he could go on to become one of the best players in the world, Merson said: "I think so. I think he's a right handful, quick, strong and getting more intelligent as the game goes on.

"Was it a masterclass or did Mourinho get lucky, in leaving Ibrahimovic out of the team? For me, Man Utd are a better team with Rashford in the team, playing down the middle.

"Nobody likes to play against pace, especially when you're direct like him. He makes defenders think.

"I can't talk highly enough of this kid. He uses his pace in exactly the same way as Thierry Henry did.

"There's quick players that don't use it in that way, but Rashford does, and he can go all of the way."

Charlie Nicholas agreed with Merson's view of Rashford, adding that his movement helps his United team-mates.

"Merse is right about the use of his pace, but it's also the runs, the angle of these runs, that stretch defenders, makes them shift a few yards.

"With Zlatan, it has to be perfect for him, to his feet and can't be half a yard out."

Rashford, 19, has played in a variety of forward positions under Jose Mourinho this season, and Phil Thompson says the experience has done him well in both attacking and in defence.

"He's gaining that intelligence of how to play certain positions because of what happens. He's not afraid to put challenges in on full-backs when chasing back.

"His link up play was excellent with Lingard. Somebody mentioned Cole and Yorke in the way they understood each other, and they gave the back three of Chelsea such a runaround in that first half."

Credit: Skysports.com