Marcus Rashford says Manchester United will settle only for the title

Marcus Rashford has said Manchester United will consider this a successful season only if they win the Premier League. United are top heading into Sunday’s game at second-placed Liverpool and Rashford said: “If we finish second or third, it is not going to be a good season for us. It is not what we set out to try to do at the beginning of the year.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s team are unbeaten in the league since 1 November, when the title appeared a distant prospect after a home defeat by Arsenal left them 15th. Rashford says there would be no finer place to underline their credentials than at Anfield.

“Liverpool and [Manchester] City, there is no better games,” he said. “As a kid from Manchester that supports United, there is no bigger games to score goals in. It is definitely a game I am looking forward to, like the rest of the squad. Hopefully we will be able to go there and win.”

No visiting team have won at Liverpool in the league since April 2017 but Rashford’s confidence is boosted in particular by the connection between him, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial. “We can score goals at any time,” he said. “But we can do much better. I believe it is still the start of something which can go on to be an unbelievable connection. Just the forward line in general at the moment which we have – we can play in so many different ways, in different positions with different personnel.

“We can just be so strong and for us, that is what is key because if we want to win trophies and win the leagues, then you need versatility. I believe that we have one of the most versatile squads probably in the Premier League, especially going forwards.”

Rashford was speaking after winning the Football Writers’ Association tribute award for his work fighting child poverty as well as on-pitch achievements. Sir Alex Ferguson, the last United manager to win the league, was among those to pay tribute. Rashford said: “That is probably the only regret I have ever had in my career – never having the chance to play under Sir Alex.”

source: theguardian.com