Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney praises Marcus Rashford ahead of Newcastle clash

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has praised striker Marcus Rashford ahead of the club's clash against Newcastle United on Sunday.

The Red Devils travel to St James' Park looking for a victory that would extend their gap to sixth-placed Newcastle and go a long way to helping them secure Champions League qualification.

England star Rashford has rejuvenated under manager Erik ten Hag this season scoring 30 goals in all competitions for United so far.

That form has seen him become one of Europe's most prolific strikers and United's leading goal scorer Rooney has been full of praise for the 25-year-old.

What did he say?

Currently managing MLS side DC United, Rooney writes a regular column in The Times and in this week's piece has singled out Rashford.

"If you think back to only a year ago, Marcus was in and out of the starting XI, hardly scoring, playing in different positions and the smile I remembered from that lovely kid who came through the ranks and broke into our team when I was captain was gone," he said, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.

"He has always been a good finisher but, in front of goal, you can see the improvement that comes from confidence.

"He is taking his chances now without a second’s thought whereas before he was overthinking and taking that extra second, then not being as decisive with his finish as he should be.

Rashford withdrew from England's latest international squad through injury and received a lot of criticism as he took a trip to New York days later.

It was a much-needed break for him and Rooney has faith in manager Ten Hag's judgement.

"I would trust any call Ten Hag makes with him because Ten Hag has handled Marcus so well," he added.

"His man-management has been a major strength. From everything I’ve heard about him, a lot of what he does is actually common sense."

United's star man is set to return to action against Newcastle and he's likely be influential in any potential win.