Ander Herrera names the future Man Utd legend in Erik ten Hag’s squad and reveals ‘optimism’ under new manager
ANDER Herrera believes Marcus Rashford can become “one of the biggest Manchester United players” in the club’s 144-year history.
The former Old Trafford favourite has backed Rashford and says it’s unfair to compare him to the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking to ESPN, Herrera, who left United for PSG in 2019, says: “Sometimes we are not fair with some players – we are not fair with Marcus or – I could give you more examples – with Vinicius [Junior] or with these kinds of players you cannot compare them with Messi or Cristiano.
“It’s like Spanish midfielders, we are compared with Xavi [Hernandez] and [Andres] Iniesta. We are going to lose [that comparison], of course.
“You have to judge them individually. Marcus can be a fantastic player for Manchester United. He is, in fact – he has done some amazing things at the club.”
Rashford, 24, has been a familiar face in the squad since 2016, scoring 98 goals in 313 matches.
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Last season he received criticism following a difficult spelt but has found his feet again, scoring five goals and making three assists in ten appearances.
Herrera, who is now on loan at Atletico Bilbao, predicts glory for his former team-mate under the guidance of United forward Ronaldo.
He added: “Marcus has everything to become one of the biggest United players in history and as you say before, he is back at his best – he’s scoring, he’s helping the team.
“He makes a difference when he’s in the moment and now he has the best teacher in the team, with the best example from Cristiano.”
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Despite a long trophy drought for The Red Devils, Herrera remains “optimistic” about his former club’s future under new coach Erik ten Hag.
Sitting fifth on the ladder, Manchester United have won seven of their last nine matches with Herrera adding that Liverpool’s resurgence after a 30-year lull should inspire the team to hold on to their Premier League dreams.
He says: “It’s true there’s been three, four years without trophies but things take time.
“Liverpool… they were a long time without trophies, they continued doing the things and they did great and now they have trophies back.
“I’m sure United will do the same and it will not take 30 years.”