Manchester United

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford happy playing in wider role

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 08 December 2016

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford says that he is happy to play out wide as it is helping him develop his attacking threat.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has claimed that he is making the most of being positioned in a wider role under manager Jose Mourinho.

The 19-year-old, who has scored 10 goals in the Premier League and Europe since making his first-team debut last February, has often played on the wing, providing support to Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front.

Eventually, Rashford wants to perfect the number nine role, but the England international believes that he is developing his craft in a wider position.

"Playing out wide is going to help me to develop to play in the middle in the long run," Rashford told Sky Sports News. "Looking at the game from a different perspective, it's helping my game a lot. When I do get a chance to go in the middle, I find things more natural now. I do think it's helping my game.

"When I've been playing as a winger, there are positions you can put the ball into for the striker and when I go back into the middle I understand those positions more than I did. It's not just about showing people what you can do on the ball in those wider positions, it's about gaining the full understanding of each position and what it takes to get that spot.

"Of course, it's different playing wide because you have more defensive responsibilities but that's part of the game and I want to improve those, too."

Rashford has made 11 league appearances this season.