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."