Man Utd news: Why Marcus Rashford must not leave Old Trafford - Paul Mariner

MANCHESTER UNITED star Marcus Rashford must stay at Old Trafford because he is the heir apparent to Romelu Lukaku.

Rashford's goal for Man United against Burton Albion

That is the opinion of pundit and former Arsenal striker Paul Mariner.

Rashford has been in superb form for Manchester United this season, scoring five goals in his last five games in all competitions.

The 19-year-old was given a chance as the main striker in the Carabao Cup against Burton Albion last night and he scored two goals in the 4-1 win.

Some pundits have claimed Rashford needs to leave United because he is unlikely to be a regular striker.

Marcus Rashford Man Utd newsESPN

Man Utd news: Marcus Rashford must stay at Old Trafford, says Paul Mariner

People are saying he should go away and hone his skills and be the man somewhere else. I totally disagree

Paul Mariner on Man Utd star Marcus Rashford

But Mariner says that could not be further from the truth.

“He’s absolutely key,” Mariner said on ESPN FC.

“People are saying he should go away and hone his skills and be the man somewhere else. I totally disagree. 

“I think Zlatan’s (Ibrahimovic) not ready yet, and Lukaku’s banging the goals in but he needs to rest now and again. 

Man Utd news Marcus RashfordESPN

Man Utd news: Marcus Rashford is the heir apparent to Romelu Lukaku, says Mariner

“If he gets injured, God forbid that he does, Marcus Rashford is the heir apparent to that No 9 shirt. 

“So he should stay exactly where he is. 

“I think under (Jose) Mourinho he is progressing nicely.”

Rashford will look to continue his good start to the season when Manchester United travel to St Mary's to face Southampton this Saturday (3pm).

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