Manchester United in a battle with Liverpool for the ‘next Marcus Rashford’

Manchester United’s latest target is dubbed the next Rashford.

He stepped on the field. Fresh faced. The 18 year old young man had not expected to play. An injury to a teammate had paved the way. It was European night. The floodlights illuminated Old Trafford. The raucous Stretford End exuded its exuberant energy. There were nerves but there was also hunger. He was ready. He wanted to take this chance. He’d show flickers of his skills. He’d wait an hour before he struck first, guiding the ball past the keeper and nestling it into the back of the net. Ten minutes later he’d score another to secure a famous Manchester United victory.

Marcus Rashford‘s debut was the stuff of dreams. Midtjylland may have been relative minnows in the European competition but the academy graduate’s feat was jaw-dropping. The hype had rightly commenced and while it has ebbed and flowed in the five years which has ensued since, over the last calendar year it is fair to say Rashford has established himself as one of the biggest stars in the current Old Trafford set-up.

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Ricky-Jade Jones will know all about being a teenage prodigy. The 17 year old has already made over ten appearances in the first team for Peterborough, netting four goals in the process including two in the FA Cup.

That has unsurprisingly attracted the interest of the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool who are both thought to be fighting for the services of the forward according to a recent report by Sky Sports. 

During an interview with Sky Sports in the same report , Ricky-Jade Jones named Rashford his footballing role model.

The Peterborough forward said the following:

"“Marcus Rashford because the way he broke into the team was similar to me and my upbringing. I watch Rashford a lot and learn from him.”"

Jones is not wrong. The comparisons are easy to see. But there also similarities in the way the young forward plays. Ricky-Jade Jones possess the same explosive speed and the uncanny eye for goal which made Rashford standout during his teenage years.

Of course Man United now also have Mason Greenwood in their set-up who is looking to emulate Rashford, but it would not be surprising if they make a move for Jones too.

Jones is younger and he could thrive in a more professional environment. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to build a dynasty at United, and that means recruiting as much potential firepower as possible.

With the Red Devils short of forward options, Ricky-Jade Jones could be an ideal option.

Can Ricky-Jade Jones become as good as Rashford and Greenwood?