Rangnick: Rashford has everything you need
Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick is convinced Marcus Rashford will soon rediscover his top form.
The Mancunian has starred in previous derbies against City and could be primed for another major impact at the Etihad Stadium if he gets to appear on Sunday.
The Blues will be missing key centre-back Ruben Dias and there should be a fresh option in attack for Rangnick, with Edinson Cavani back in training. However, he is keen to point out that Rashford is very much in his thoughts, after coming off the bench in the goalless draw with Watford last time out, and having the sort of pace that could trouble the home side's backline.
Part one: Ralf's derby press conference
Watch part one of Rangnick's press conference to preview the 187th Manchester derby...
"Now with Edinson at least being available for the upcoming games, we have other options [up front]," said Rangnick.
"With Marcus Rashford, we have another player [who I have] continuously been behind and [will work] with, to develop him.
"We have seen that with other players in the past and I don’t see why this shouldn’t happen with Marcus. He’s got abundant talent, he’s got the pace, the physicality. He’s got everything you need for a modern striker, not only if he is playing from the wing or in the centre.
"I will put all my energy in that to help him to take the same pathway that other players did in the last three months.”
Rashford has a knack of sparkling in big games and has played against City 14 times since breaking into the first team, scoring on four occasions.
The England international hit the dramatic injury-time winner against West Ham United in January and will be looking to get back on the goal trail again soon. The side, in general, clearly needs to start taking more of our opportunities, which is a fact not lost on Rangnick.
"We created a lot of chances in our last 10, 11 games and we need to finish them," he added. "We did it against Leeds but, against Watford, we should have had one, two, three goals. I would be more worried if we didn't create chances but the way we have been playing and creating chances is good.
"Also, without the ball, we were compact and didn't allow them many chances. That is what we need for Manchester City."