Pundit hails influence of former Blackburn Rovers striker at Man Utd after win over Leeds United

Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, pundit Ian Wright has hailed the influence of Manchester United first-team coach Benni McCarthy. The former Arsenal striker believes the arrival of the 45-year-old last summer has helped Marcus Rashford’s form.

Rashford, 25, has scored 21 goals in all competitions so far this season. He scored the opener for Erik ten Hag’s side in their 2-0 away win at Leeds United over the weekend. Youngster Alejandro Garnacho added the second.

The attacker has been in fine form this term and has bounced back from his disappointing last campaign. Wright has said: “The acquisition of Benni McCarthy as striker coach has helped him as well. Harry Maguire has said about how hard he (Rashford) has worked.

“His heading has improved. When you look at the movement (as well) for that goal today, it was brilliant. That says to me that someone like Benni McCarthy is working very closely with him. He has improved no end.”

McCarthy spent his playing career with the likes of Ajax, Porto, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United and scored 153 goals in 422 games. He hung up his boots in 2011 and has since delved into the coaching world.

The ex-South Africa international held early coaching roles at Hibernian and Sint-Truiden before managerial stints at Cape Town City and AmaZulu. He made the move to Old Trafford in late July last year and hasn’t looked back since.

United are back in action away to Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday. They then face Leicester City at home on Sunday.