Current Man Utd player claims Marcus Rashford is the ‘best player in the world’

Phil Jones has claimed his Manchester United team-mate Marcus Rashford is ‘the best player in the world’ based on current form.

The latter was passed fit to start in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, following a minor injury scare in the week which saw Erik ten Hag claim he wasn’t sure if Rashford would be available. But his selection will be a huge boost for the Red Devils at Wembley as they aim to end a nearly six-year long wait for silverware.

Rashford has netted 24 times already this season for United - a career high - and has scored five in as many games in the Carabao Cup. His excellent form since the World Cup has seen Rashford earn plenty of plaudits, including from his team-mates.

Speaking ahead of the final on Sky Sports, Jones was asked what’s changed for Rashford. “I think  maturity,” he responded. “He came back from the World Cup and maybe wasn’t starting as many games as he would have liked. But he knuckled down and got on with it.

“He’s got sharper and stronger. You’ve seen that reflected in his performances. Defenders find it really hard to cope with him; he can take it one way or another. He scores from outside the box, inside the box - he’s scored a few headers lately.

“His all-round game has hit heights that he probably think he would get to. He probably won’t thank me for it, but on current form he’s probably the best player in the world.”

Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher recently claimed Rashford outperforming Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. “Step aside Erling Haaland. Marcus Rashford is currently producing performances of a complete Premier League striker,” the ex-Liverpool defender wrote.

“If votes were being cast this week, the Manchester United attacker would surely command most support from his peers. Haaland hit the ground running after joining Manchester City and remains on course for the golden boot. Rashford’s form under Erik ten Hag is taking his game to that next level. His all-round displays this season are superior to Haaland’s because United are set up to get the most from him.”