Marcus Rashford has such a strong backing from Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag that there's a belief he can lead them to the Premier League title.
So far, Rashford has been one of the biggest winners since Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford in the summer, and looks transformed from last season.
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In the previous campaign, the England forward looked to have lost all his confidence, losing his place in the team under Ralf Rangnick to Anthony Elanga, criticised by Jamie Carragher for not being good enough and leaving Rio Ferdinand 'worried.'
However, the 24-year-old, who has lost his place in Gareth Southgate's squad recently, has already scored three times in the league, only one less than the entirety of last season, and is looking like his former self.
Ten Hag has so much confidence in the forward that he believes he can be one of the best forwards in the world and should 'easily' score 20 goals this season.
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"The manager wants Marcus to be United’s No 1 striker and lead the line up front," a source told the Sun.
"He believes Marcus has the ability to become one of the world’s best and wants him to express himself in matches. He is always telling him to use his pace and skills when he gets a chance. He told Marcus he will easily score 20 this season.
"They have a great relationship and Marcus is really happy."
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United's recent win over Arsenal even has the former Ajax manager believing that his team can be in a title race with local rivals Manchester City.
They are undefeated in the league since losing their opening two games, to Brighton and Brentford, and hitting bottom of the table.
Ten Hag thinks that is should be his side riding high instead of the Gunners, "Ten Hag told them [the United players], ‘This is the real United. We should be top, not Arsenal,' the source added.
"It is felt their only title threat is City and if they slip up, then they believe they can capitalise.’’
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Rashford's ability to run in behind defenders has been seen in his goals against Liverpool and Arsenal recently, helped by some awful defending by Mikel Arteta's team.
A recent compilation of his history of doing that time and time again to other members of the 'big six,' shows just how good he is at the skill.
And that movement, and the fact he's more a team player, is exactly why the players also prefer the Englishman upfront to Cristiano Ronaldo, "As long as Ronaldo starts on the bench, the players have the confidence to express themselves," the source said of the wantaway 37-year-old.
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"With Ronaldo on the pitch, the team feel pressured. All the players loved it when Ronaldo came back but they’re frustrated he missed pre-season.
“Ronaldo’s not up to speed and relies on instinct — but that doesn’t work in Ten Hag’s system."
Topics: Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League
Ryan Sidle