OSLO, Norway — Marcus Rashford has said he is hoping to become the “ultimate forward” at Manchester United this season.
The 21-year-old has been deployed as a left winger and a centre forward during United’s positive preseason, contributing two goals in victories over Perth Glory, Leeds United, Inter Milan, Tottenham and Kristiansund.
And Rashford said he is ready to play anywhere as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to take his team back towards the top of the Premier League.
“It’s never been my aim to be a No. 9,” Rashford said after the 1-0 win over Kristiansund in Oslo Tuesday. “It’s about being able to adapt and play in different positions and to be the ultimate forward.
“I think I can score goals from all positions and I think that’s something that’s shared among the forwards.”
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Solskjaer has plenty of attacking options heading into the new season.
The Norwegian started with a front four of Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and new boy Daniel James against Kristiansund before bringing on Juan Mata and Mason Greenwood in the second half.
Alexis Sanchez is yet to return to training following the Copa America while United are in talks with Juventus over a potential swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala.
Rashford is in pole position to start the first game of the season against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Aug. 11 but he is not afraid of the stiff competition for a place in Solskjaer’s forward line.
“It’s important,” he said. “If one person is scoring all the goals you get a different feeling as a team than if all the forwards are contributing.
“It’s definitely a good feeling and it keeps us all on our toes. We’ve still got a lot of work to do but we’re improving in training every day. It feels like the team is improving which is the most important thing. We’re concentrating on ourselves and keep trying to take steps forward.”
Solskjaer’s blueprint this summer has been built around pace going forward and hitting opposing teams on the break after winning the ball high up the pitch.
Swift surges forward became rare under former managers Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho and Rashford said Solskjaer is helping the club to find its feet again.
“The identity is there,” Rashford said. “It doesn’t leave you just have to find it within yourself.
“We have to come together as a team to show people what we’re capable of. This season especially I think we have to concentrate on ourselves and playing like we’re enjoying our football.
“We’re in an exciting position. There are a lot of young players and there are a lot of hungry players and I think that’s important. Hopefully we can take this momentum into the season.”