EPL 2016/17: Marcus Rashford praises influence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the Manchester United squad

Marcus Rashford has hailed the influence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, saying the forward has been a “big help” to the young players at the club. Rashford burst onto the scene half-way through last season under Louis van Gaal, and soon became Manchester United’s boy wonder, with some terrific displays and crucial goals at pivotal moments.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s arrival at the club meant Rashford was now competing with the Swede, Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial for United’s coveted No. 9 position. To accommodate Ibrahimovic, Mourinho has used Rashford sparingly so far, and has shoved him out to the wing when he has started the young England international.

However, rather than complaining, Rashford has made full use of the chance to extract as much advice from the 35-year-old Swede as possible, "Playing as a lone striker is a bit different because you are on your own and obviously it depends on what centre-halves you're playing up against and what their skills are and their characteristics are," he said.

"One of the main things I am working on is hold-up play. I know my movement in behind is good so if I can get my hold-up play to improve then I'll be a better player,” said the young English forward.

Zlatan is more than just strength, says Rashford

"But Zlatan has been a big help. He's spoken to us a lot about things he's come up against in the past and you have to listen because he's been there, he's done it and he's won a lot of trophies and that's what we all want to do. It's important we listen and take his advice on board.

"For instance, it's not just about his strength. He puts his body in the right areas and these are things you pick up on. It's about trying to put those things into your own game.”

Ibra has taken care of himself, says Rashford

The English striker also spoke glowingly about the way Ibrahimovic has taken care of himself over the course of his professional career.

The 19-year-old said: "He's looked after his body well since he was a young professional. That's why he can still play at this age now. It's a small thing and one that a lot of people don't look at but for him to be playing and still competing at that age is amazing."

However, despite his fairytale break through last season – where he scored twice on his full debut, twice on his Premier League debut against Arsenal days later, a goal against Manchester City and also managed to find the back of the net on his England debut. But the young striker has been brought back down to earth this season following the arrival of Jose Mourinho.

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