Man Utd: Why practice could make perfect for Marcus Rashford - Pat Nevin

[ZearFoss]

Marcus Rashford's stunning free-kick means Manchester United have the advantage after the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo.

United's 1-0 victory in Spain means they are heavy favourites to clinch a place in the final in next week's return at Old Trafford.

We already knew he was a pacey and skilful striker but Rashford's winner took many people by surprise, including Celta Vigo goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez.

Could the 19-year-old add even more facets to his game to fulfil his full potential, and how will he do it?

Pat Nevin, who was co-commentating on the game for BBC Radio 5 live, explains why Rashford should look to Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo for inspiration to improve, and how his set-piece ability is already reminiscent of another Old Trafford legend. 

Nevin: "If I may steal a line off 5 live commentator John Murray, who I was working with on Thursday night, when we watched Rashford's free-kick again off-air he said it was like one of David Beckham's.

"He was right. Rashford's body shape and even the position of his foot when the ball left his boot was exactly like Beckham's.

"That was really surprising because very few people hit a ball the way Beckham does - he has a very unique technique.

"When he was asked about what his secret with free-kicks was, Beckham always said it was just down to practise, and the time he spent to get every part of executing them exactly right.

"To hear United boss Jose Mourinho talk after the Celta Vigo game about how Rashford has been working on that area of his game too, thinking he will be ready when his chance comes, then you have to applaud it.

"That is the kind of approach you need to get to the very top, no matter how talented you are.

"Look at where Cristiano Ronaldo was in his early days at United, and the player he has become.