Key Battle: Rashford Vs Dolberg

Manchester United's Europa League final showdown with Ajax pits two of the most highly-rated young forwards in Europe against each other.

Marcus Rashford will spearhead Jose Mourinho's side at Stockholm's Friends Arena on Wednesday night, while fellow 19-year-old Kasper Dolberg will lead the line for the Dutch outfit. It's a duel that could decide the outcome of the game.

From a United perspective, Rashford will be aiming to continue a run of vital Europa League goals, having scored in their quarter-final meeting with Anderlecht and their semi-final tie with Celta Vigo.

Those strikes took him to 11 for the season in all competitions. It is a relatively modest total, but it can be explained by the fact that Rashford has spent most of the season waiting in the wings.

Indeed, it is only since Zlatan Ibrahimovic's knee injury that Rashford has taken centre stage, but he is now so important to his side that Mourinho has been carefully managing his workload in order to keep him fresh for Wednesday's game.


Mourinho will be eager to harness his explosive pace at the Friends Arena. According to Premier League tracking data, Rashford clocked the highest top speed in the Premier League last season at 35.21km/h

Ajax will have to be weary of Rushford's electric runs in behind their defence, but with Dolberg leading the charge at the other end, they will be confident of causing United problems of their own.

The Dane has enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough campaign for Ajax, scoring 23 goals in all competitions including six on their route to the Europa League final.

Unlike Rashford, Dolberg has benefitted from a regular starting spot up front throughout the season. His impressive form has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester City, while Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has described him as a "fantastic player" with a "great future".

Dolberg first shot to prominence with an 18-minute hat-trick against NEC Nijmegen in November, and he has enhanced his reputation even more with a run of nine goals in his last 10 appearances.

The Dane is a cool-headed finisher with a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He is capable of scoring all kinds of goals, but his predatory instincts are shown by the fact that only two Eredivisie players had more shots from inside the six-yard box than him this season (14).

United will need to be alert to his movement inside the box, but Dolberg is also a skilful dribbler who likes to drop deep and create scoring chances for his team-mates. As well as scoring 23 goals this season, the youngster has contributed eight assists.

Dolberg is sure to give United's patched-up defence plenty to think about, but it won't matter if Rashford can deliver another match-winning moment. Whatever the outcome, these two talented teenagers are certain to feature prominently.

Credit: Skysports.com