Schweinsteiger backs Rashford for greatness
Bastian Schweinsteiger was a member of the Manchester United first team when an 18-year-old Marcus Rashford broke through from the Academy.
The German knew then that the young attacker was destined for great things, but he maybe couldn’t have predicted that Marcus would rack up a century of goals for the club by the time he was 25.
Bastian has recently been over in Qatar enjoying the 2022 World Cup, during which Rashford has scored three goals for England as the Three Lions have marched on to the quarter-finals.
Ahead of the upcoming clash with France in the last eight, the former United midfielder predicts that Marcus could have a big say in any success for Gareth Southgate’s side this winter.
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“I've known Marcus since he started training with us for the first time,” Bastian said in a recent interview with club media.
“I was like 'woah, good player.' He was a little bit skinny back in the day but he [has been] working hard on himself.
“At the end of the day, in those tournaments, even if you're a sub and you come in, you can decide those big games. When we won the World Cup in 2014 against Argentina, Mario Gotze was scoring the winning goal and Andre Schurrle was making the assist and both came from the bench.
“It wouldn't surprise me if that happens with Marcus involved."
Along with Rashford and fellow United team-mates Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, 19-year-old Jude Bellingham has caught the attention during the tournament.
Bastian was full of praise for the Birmingham-born midfielder, who currently plies his trade in the German Bundesliga.
"Well, I am quite sure he won't stay too long at Borussia Dortmund,” he said. “That happened to many players, like Erling Haaland actually.
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“You know with Jude; I must say he is really pushing the level of the England midfield to a different level. He is amazing with the ball and amazing against the ball and I love that.
“Of course, it's very helpful for him that Declan [Rice] is sitting for him and holding a position, and he can go forward as well, so [at] 19 years, he is incredible."
England face France in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup this evening (Saturday). Kick-off is set for 19:00 GMT and we'll be covering the action in our matchday blog on ManUtd.com and in the United App.