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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Isaac Johnson

Sir Alex Ferguson names Marcus Rashford’s best position and sets task for Erik ten Hag

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Marcus Rashford’s best position is from the left wing, rather than as the central striker, and has encouraged Erik ten Hag to find another goal threat to share the goal-scoring burden.

Rashford was awarded United’s second goal of the 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory over Newcastle on Sunday after the effort was initially chalked as an own goal from Sven Botman.

It means the 25-year-old now has 25 goals to his name this season, having scored 17 times in his 19 outings since the World Cup, where he netted three times for the England international. Sir Alex was at Wembley for the final and met Erik ten Hag in the tunnel after the trophy lift.

READ MORE: Sir Alex Ferguson praises Erik ten Hag

The United icon was then invited into the dressing room for the celebrations by Ten Hag as the club celebrated its fourth piece of silverware since his retirement in 2013. Rashford’s goal was his first in a major final and came while he was playing on the left.

Sir Alex believes the flank is where Rashford performs best as opposed to the leading frontman, a role he’s played several times in recent weeks. Speaking to Sky Sports, Sir Alex said: “I don’t think he’s a striker.

“He operates from the left-hand side fantastic, his finishing is always good, always keeps his shots down which is really important for a striker and he’s in a great vein of form.”

Rashford is comfortably the club’s top scorer this season, having scored 18 more than second-place Bruno Fernandes in the Reds' scoring charts. Sir Alex suggested that another goal-getter is needed going forward so Rashford does not shoulder all of the scoring onus.

He added: “Unfortunately for us, [Rashford] is the main source of goals, we could do with an extra one - but he’s doing it.”

United are expected to hunt for a marquee striker this summer with Tottenham’s Harry Kane and 21-goal Napoli star Victor Osimhen on Ten Hag’s list of potential targets. Mohammed Kudus of Ajax and Portugal World Cup hat-trick hero Goncalo Ramos of Benfica are also of interest.

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