United’s Rashford: I wanted to be just like Rooney

He may share a dressing room with him every day, but Marcus Rashford says his football hero will always be Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United youngster burst onto the scene a year ago, scoring four goals in his first two games, which led many to compare his initial impact to that of his Red Devils skipper.

Rashford has usurped Rooney in the United team, with many predicting the England captain will leave Old Trafford at the end of the campaign.

But Rooney always has time for Rashford, helping him reach his full potential.

“As every kid does, when you’re having a kickabout and you’ve got someone’s name on your back, you just try to follow in their footsteps. I was a striker, so from that day, I wanted to be just like Rooney. And I wanted to play for England,” Rashford said.

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“I know the comparisons that have been made between the two of us. I know the expectations that people have of me.

“For me, I’m just focused on improving my game however I can. And being around Wayne and training with him has been massive for that.

“He speaks to me a lot about the game — the positions he’s been in, the situations he’s had to deal with.

“I first met Wayne after my debut for United. He was injured at the time, but he came into the changing room after the game, walked straight up to me and said congratulations. It may seem like a small thing, but it wasn’t. It meant a lot to me.

“And honestly, that’s how it’s been with Wayne. He’s just a really relaxed guy. ‘Just go out and play,’ he’ll tell me. ‘Don’t feel nervous. Play your own game and feel free on the pitch.’ And that’s Wayne.”