Rashford highlights Ibrahimovic’s unseen United influence

Youngster Marcus Rashford has picked out Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s mental attitude as his greatest asset to the Manchester United squad.

The Swede has already banged in 20 goals for United this season and has been the focal point of Jose Mourinho’s attack at Old Trafford.

Rashford meanwhile has only managed six goals in all competitions, the same number as Anthony Martial, while Paul Pogba is the club’s second-leading scorer with seven.

Ibrahimovic’s goals have been vital to helping United to sixth in the Premier League, one point behind rivals Liverpool in fifth with Arsenal a further point in front in fourth.

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

A win at home to Watford on Saturday could move Jose Mourinho’s men into the top four and while United have been heavily reliant on Ibrahimovic’s goals, Rashford insists he does plenty for the squad off the field as well.

“I think it’s the way his mentality works. That is probably the biggest thing, not only for the young players but other players can take that from him as well,” he explained.

“In fact, that is definitely the main thing. It’s good for the dressing room. Sometimes, if we’re down, he can pick us back up and, when we’re up, he keeps us up.

“Bringing in that type of player, it has been key.”