Rashford can learn to emulate Ronaldo

Rashford, now 23, has insisted that his current physical state is as good as it has ever been after a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a successful shoulder operation.

Solskjaer is confident in the forward’s abilities, revealing to club media that his next challenge must be to push through his current level of performances in order to take him to that next level, held by the very best in the game.

‘’I think his challenge is the same as the team’s challenge," said the United boss. "You know, we’ve come to a certain level, but we always have to take the next step, you always have to challenge yourself to become the best you can possibly become.

‘’They’ve got the best player of all time to learn from, and our lads now, the young boys, must aspire and strive to have a career like Cristiano. He’s come in and been a very, very good example to learn from.’’

The Manchester-born Academy graduate also remains the top scorer under his current manager with an impressive 54 strikes to his name, after his composed effort against Atalanta sparked the marvellous comeback in midweek.

In terms of an impressive return to first-team action, the United no.10 also netted when coming off the bench at Leicester City, with the Reds boss full of praise for Rashford’s contribution, setting his sights high for greater things to come further down the line.

‘’For me, Marcus has had an unbelievable start to his career,’’ Ole enthused, as he will need to check on the status of the striker following his dead leg sustained on Wednesday.

‘’Hopefully we can sit in 10 years’ time and talk about him in the same vein almost like Cristiano and talk almost about how he’s had a career just like him.”

The Reds return to Premier League action this weekend, as Ole's side prepare for their next challenge in the Premier League by hosting Liverpool on Sunday afternoon (16:30 BST).