Europa League: Absolutely brilliant – Paul Scholes, Owen single out one Man Utd player for praise

Former Manchester United stars, Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves have singled out Marcus Rashford for praise following the Red Devils’ Europa League play-off first-leg 2-2 draw with Barcelona on Thursday.

Scholes described Rashford as absolutely brilliant, while Hargreaves said the England international could beat any defender.

Rashford, who has scored 22 goals in all competitions for Man United so far this season, was on the scoresheet as Erik ten Hag’s side drew with Barcelona at Camp Nou.

Speaking on Rashford, Scholes said on BT Sport, “This season he’s been absolutely brilliant. You would like to see it over the next four or five years if he is going to get to the levels of the really top players in the world.

“But tonight, to come to Barcelona, to come to this stadium, great atmosphere, it was a bit wild there, that is probably one of his better chances, but his all-round play, his ability to go past people, his movement, the goal. He’s got the power to do that. His all-round game at the moment is nothing short of brilliant.”

On his part, Hargreaves added, “I like to see him in different positions. He loves running off the left, Ten Hag played him quite central today. All the goals came off the right-hand side. If he’s allowed to drift, I don’t think you can stop him.

“I don’t think he looks at any defender and sees any fear. Kounde’s a great athlete, Araujo’s a terrific athlete, but Marcus, I don’t think he had any fear of whoever was in front of him. If he is positive and runs forward, I think he thinks he can beat anyone right now.