JESSE LINGARD has backed best mate Marcus Rashford to hit the lofty heights of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The England striker is in red-hot form with 10 goals in his last 11 games in all competitions.
Marcus Rashford is in brilliant form for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer likened the 22-year-old star to the Portuguese ace after his derby day performance in the 2-1 win at Man City.
And those thoughts are echoed by midfielder Lingard who believes Rashford has even more to offer on the field.
He told the Independent: “He’s still got miles more in the locker. He can reach those heights.
“He’s humble, he works hard, listens to the coaches and listens to his family, listens to me! But he does everything right.”
Despite five years difference in age between the pair, they remain close off the field that stems from their time coming through the United academy together.
Lingard has watched Rashford’s rise into the first-team and admits his potential was plain for all to see as a youth player.
He added: “He’s still so young and only 22, but the ability he has, I’ve seen it from the get go.
“I’ve seen him when he was younger, the goals he’s scored. I was like: ‘Who is this kid?’”
Lingard has endured a difficult spell at Old Trafford and a drop in form has limited him to just six league starts this season.
But he forced his way back into the starting XI in the win over Man City and believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the perfect manager to get the best out of his game.
He added: “He’ll always help you out, he always has a helping hand, so he’s been brilliant with me.
“He’s always wanted to see me get back to my best, he knows what kind of player I am and what I can bring to the team. It’s good to be back.”
Lingard believes Rashford can reach the same level as RonaldoCredit: Getty – Contributor
Lingard believes he is finding his best form againCredit: EPA
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk