Man United star Marcus Rashford reveals that keeper Tim Howard was his idol growing up and vows: 'I'm going to get the gloves one day!'

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Marcus Rashford has revealed that Tim Howard was his idol growing up and that he would feel comfortable deputising in goal for Manchester United if the need arose.

The United and England striker is best known for his clinical finishing, but admits he got as much of a thrill from stopping a goal than scoring one when he was growing up.

Rashford, who is approaching 100 appearance for United since bursting onto the scene in February last year, played in goal for a year when he started at junior club Fletcher Moss Rangers in Manchester.

Marcus Rashford in action during Manchester United's 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday

Rashford says he admired United's American international keeper Tim Howard growing up

And as a United fan, Rashford admires American international goalkeeper Howard, who played at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2006.

'My first season [at Fletcher Moss] I went in net. The thrill of scoring a goal, you get the same thrill when you save a good chance,' Rashford told The Sunday Times.

'Howard was my idol. I used to have a little Tim Howard shirt. You watch, there'll be a game [when he is called upon to go in goal]. I'm going to get the gloves one day!'

Rashford, now 20, has seen his career accelerate from the night Louis van Gaal brought him into the starting line-up at short notice in the Europa League tie against Midtjylland back in February 2016.

Howard makes a save from Arsenal's Francis Jeffers during the 2003 Community Shield

The American stopper played for United between 2003 and 2006

He scored twice on debut and followed that up with a double against Arsenal in the Premier League three days later.

Rashford also scored inside three minutes of his senior England debut, the friendly with Australia just before Euro 2016, and earned a spot in Roy Hodgson's squad for the tournament.

He has made further progress under Jose Mourinho and now has 26 goals in 90 first-team United appearances.

Rashford embraces Chris Smalling after the defender scored United's second against Newcastle on Saturday night

Rashford celebrates with Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian scored United fourth at Old Trafford

'It's all happened so fast but the lessons I've learned from each situation are the reasons I wouldn't change it,' Rashford added.

Rashford played in United's 4-1 win over Newcastle United on Saturday evening, a result that kept them eight points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.

They will attempt to secure top spot in their Champions League group when they visit Swiss side Basle on Wednesday night.