Ferdinand urges Rashford to take a leaf out of Rooney's book

Rio Ferdinand believes Marcus Rashford can become ‘world-class’ if he emulates Wayne Rooney’s blueprint on improving the ‘ugly side’ of his game.

Rashford bagged a late winner for Manchester United to pull off a brilliant 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League group-stage opener.

The 22-year-old, who supplied a career-best of 22 goals and 11 assists in 44 outings last season, looks set for another impressive campaign upon scoring his fourth goal of the new campaign on Tuesday.

He may have squandered some key chances, but kept his head down to score the all-important winner at the end. It brought back memories of his late penalty in United’s previous win at PSG in March 2019.

MARCUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Loves it in Paris!!!!
Get in there ❤️@ManUtd @MarcusRashford #mufc #ucl

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 20, 2020

To become the ‘unbelievable’ player he can surely be, however, Ferdinand believes Rashford needs to learn to unleash his poacher’s instincts like Rooney did during early days at United.

“I think this kid could definitely be world-class if he keeps on improving,” the ex-Red Devils defender told BT Sport on Rashford.

“He needs to add a poacher’s element, a couple of scruffy goals a season.

“Wayne Rooney, when he signed for Manchester United, scored outrageous goals. He didn’t score the ugly goals but then he got that into his game.

“Marcus scores and creates fantastic goals as well. If he can get that ugly side… this kid can go on to be unbelievable.”

Rashford will return to action on Saturday for United’s Premier League clash at home to Chelsea on Saturday.