Marcus Rashford shares the advice he’s given to Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo

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Marcus Rashford has shared the advice he has given to Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo.

There’s not been much to be happy about for Manchester United in this underwhelming campaign.

Erik ten Hag has seen his team ravaged by injuries, finish bottom of their Champions League group and slip to 11 Premier League defeats already.

But if there’s one reason to be cheerful and optimistic it has been the rise of Kobbie Mainoo in the first team.

The midfielder is still just 18 years old but has thrived when given an opportunity in the first team and is now one of the first names in the starting XI.

Mainoo has two goals and two assists in 18 appearances and is already earning calls to be included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for 2024.

There’s a big future ahead for Mainoo but he has a lot of developing to do yet and will have to learn from his senior teammates along the way.

Marcus Rashford is just one who has taken him under his wing and helping him become even better.

• READ MORE: Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Inside the life of Man Utd’s rising star, including his parents, brother and school

Marcus Rashford’s advice for Kobbie Mainoo

Speaking to United’s in-house media, Rashford said: “I think for a player like him it’s not just what you tell him.

“I think he’s very sure in his abilities and he’s going to play what he sees fit which is a huge skill set on its own so I think it’s about encouraging him to do that.

“He’s getting fed lots of messages – try this, do that – so not taking away his natural ability, natural instinct is probably the biggest thing we can do for him as players.

“It’s probably almost the opposite for me, I always tell him to play what he sees.

“I feel that’s his key strength as a player and what he does naturally very, very well.

“Don’t turn away from that and tell someone to do something, anything different to what he’s really good at.”

Rashford can really help Mainoo

Rashford has been in Mainoo’s position so is perfectly placed to give good guidance.

The striker came into the team as an 18-year-old amid a trying spell and helped immediately change his side’s fortunes for the better.

But it’s been a rollercoaster of a ride for Rashford since, with plenty of ups and downs.

Periods of great form and difficult moments where he struggles on the pitch and gets criticised off it.

Any young player faces such hardships but the scrutiny is even fiercer at United and a challenge Mainoo will no doubt face one day, too.

When that day comes, he will benefit from having Rashford alongside him to lean on and get more great advice from.