On the back of Marcus Rashford being named to Roy Hodgson's provisional 26-man England Euro 2016 squad, captain Wayne Rooney has said that the teenage striker should just be enjoying himself and doesn't need a ton of advice from him.

Just let him play

Rashford broke into the squad when United were in the midst of an injury crisis that included captain Wayne Rooney, and with a game remaining went on to score seven goals in sixteen appearance across all competitions. The undeniable talent forced the teenager into consideration for England's Euro 2016 squad, and Rooney says that he doesn't need to give advice. 

At the minute he's a young lad and he doesn't need that much advice from me" the England captain said, "Just let him play and enjoy his football." 

Rooney added “I am sure there will be a time when he does need" advice from "myself, from the manager, from Giggsy" but that the most important thing currently was "to just let him go and play and enjoy it."

Rashford has been a revelation for United, and according to some saved the team's season. | Source: Getty
Rashford has been a revelation for United, and according to some saved the team's season. | Source: Getty

Rashford saved United's season

Rooney wasn't coy when talking about the importance of Rashford's emergence for the squad, saying "Marcus has come in and scored some really important goals for us and really kept us in with a shout." Even though the teenager forced Rooney into the midfield, the senior player noted "I feel we're playing better football" that is "more exciting, attacking football" that the team "always want to play."

Rooney noted that with Rashford now leading the line is has forced changes by the manager "that has helped us and we have been more consistent.” He said that “the young lads have come in at a really difficult time for the team for us" but even with the rest of the team facing issues "I think they've been brilliant."

In addition to Rashford, players like Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard have "come in under huge pressure in games that we've had to win and performed well for us."

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About the author
Steve Ewin
Steve is a multi-lingual sports historian. He is currently completing his degree.