Ex-Man Utd star criticises Mourinho's handling of Rashford

Manchester United should not be making Marcus Rashford their first choice striker at such a young age, according to former Red Devils midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

The 19-year-old broke onto the scene late on last season under Louis van Gaal, and has kept his place in the side under new manager Jose Mourinho this term.

Rashford has seen even more playing time in his preferred central striker role since the injury to Zlatan Ibrahimovic last month, but Hargreaves believes it’s all coming a bit too soon for him.

United have been tipped to spend heavily on big-name signings up front in the summer, and Hargreaves has suggested that could be good for Rashford’s development at the moment.

‘He’s the main man at the moment, that’s where the goals are going to come from,’ Hargreaves told BT Sport.

‘He shouldn’t have to play every game, that’s a lot of pressure mentally for a young player.

‘Barcelona, Real Madrid don’t have 19-year-olds leading the line for them.’

Rio Ferdinand added that, while a new signing could prevent Rashford from getting as much playing time, it is crucial for a club of United’s size to have more options in that area.

‘Getting someone could stunt his growth, but if you look at the history of this club they’ve always had three or four top strikers they’ve rotated,’ the former defender said.