Rashford not fazed by increased pressure
Speaking ahead of Manchester United's friendly derby with Manchester City, United striker Marcus Rashford says he is confident of handling the pressure placed on him despite his tender years.
The 19-year-old is expected to be handed a more prominent role in the United squad this season following the departures of Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the striker says that he is certain he will deliver.
"It is not the be all and end all if I'm not scoring goals" explained Rashford. "This season I will put more pressure on myself to do so and take more responsibility."
"There is always pressure playing at United. I don't think it changes. You put it on yourself more. Year on year that will only increase. The responsibility that I put on myself is the thing that has changed. Fans always expect the best from me so the pressure doesn't change."
"Season by season, I have different aims and responsibilities to the team. This year hopefully I will take more responsibility on. That is the aim"
When asked about last season and how he has devloped as a player, Rahsford admitted that he has matured as a player as well as as a person.
"(Last season) was a different experience. I experienced things I hadn't experienced the year before. It puts you in good stead for the future," said the England international.
"I think if you don't look at it as just football, maturity is a massive part of how you develop on the pitch."
"I think that has been one of the main things for me, I have obviously matured. It does change your game on the pitch and that is the biggest thing."
"You don't change anything you just naturally mature. As a person it changes what you do on the pitch, that has been the main difference."
Rahsford is eager to make his mark this season after suffering a seven month barren spell in front of goal last time out and has been working hard over summer to make sure he is in top condition ahead of the new campaign.