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Wayne Rooney tells Marcus Rashford how he can avoid making the same mistakes he did

Former Manchester United legend thinks Rashford should focus on scoring rather than tracking back

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WAYNE ROONEY has urged Manchester United breakthrough talent Marcus Rashford to work on his attacking play rather than defensive.

The England striker admitted he made similar errors earlier in his career and doesn't want to see the youngster waste his talent.

 Marcus Rashford is quickly becoming a fan favourite at Old Trafford
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Marcus Rashford is quickly becoming a fan favourite at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters

In an interview with talkSPORT, he said: "Sometimes, early on in my career I was working too hard tracking back and Alex Ferguson sat me down.

"It does affect when you're in the opponents' box. You're a bit leggy. Alex Ferguson told me not to do so much work and be ready for when we get chances.

"I feel with Rashford it's maybe a bit of the same. You see him going back into the full-back areas.

"It's great he's got that enthusiasm but, to get the best out of him going forward, he maybe needs to let the defenders and the midfielders do it."

 The 20-year-old has scored 14 goals in 60 appearances for United
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The 20-year-old has scored 14 goals in 60 appearances for UnitedCredit: Reuters
 Under Mourinho Rashford, along with fellow United attacker Anthony Martial have been asked to track back as well as attack
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Under Mourinho Rashford, along with fellow United attacker Anthony Martial have been asked to track back as well as attackCredit: AFP or licensors

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has been criticised for his defensive style by fans and pundits alike.

Whereas Ferguson may have told Rooney not to work too hard going backwards, it seems Mourinho encourages the complete opposite.

 Rooney, who spent 13 years wearing the famous red encouraged Rashford to focus on scoring more goals
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Rooney, who spent 13 years wearing the famous red encouraged Rashford to focus on scoring more goalsCredit: PA:Press Association
 The 32-year-old moved back to his boyhood club Everton this season
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The 32-year-old moved back to his boyhood club Everton this seasonCredit: Reuters

The 20-year-old exploded onto the scene at Manchester United, scoring twice against Arsenal on his Premier League debut in 2016.

Since then Rashford has gone on to earn 15 caps for his home nation England in hopes of appearing for the Three Lions at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Wayne Rooney talks to talkSPORT about the Manchester derby incident and his recent problems off the field
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