‘I don’t think he’s a striker’: Sir Alex Ferguson insists Marcus Rashford ISN’T a number nine

Sir Alex Ferguson has told Manchester United to invest in a new central striker despite the stunning goalscoring form of Marcus Rashford.

Ferguson – an all-time Premier League and Man United managerial legend – watched on from the stands as his former club secured the League Cup at Wembley on Sunday.

The great Scotsman won 13 Premier League titles and numerous other trophies during his incredible Old Trafford tenure and has given new boss Erik ten Hag some tactical advice.

Ferguson celebrated Rashford’s stunning goalscoring form that has seen him bag 25 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils – a career best for the England international – but warned more players need to be contributing goals.  

‘I don’t think he’s a striker. He operates away from the left-hand side and has been fantastic,’ Sir Alex told Sky Sports. 

Sir Alex Ferguson (on the right-hand-side in the left image) believes former club Man United need to sign a new striker to support Rashford (right)

‘His finishing is always good, always keeps his shots down – which is really important for a striker – and is in a great vein of form. 

‘Unfortunately for us, he’s the main source of goals – we could do with an extra one, but he’s doing it.’

Ferguson worked with a plethora of some of the world’s best players during a trophy-laden 26 year spell in charge at the Theatre of Dreams.

The 81-year-old developed Cristiano Ronaldo from young prodigy to the world’s best player and guided Wayne Rooney on his path to becoming the club’s all-time greatest goalscorer.

Rashford (right) has starred alongside his fellow Manchester United attackers this season

Sir Alex (right) has enjoyed watching United’s resurgence under Erik ten Hag this season

His advice follows United’s struggles in the striker department that has seen Ten Hag forced into bringing Wout Weghorst in from Burnley on a short-term loan deal as a stop-gap until the end of the season.

Anthony Martial was meant to be the figurehead in the team’s new-look attack but has struggled with injuries that have plagued the Frenchman over the past few months.

Rashford has frequently seen his position change in games with him sometimes deployed on the left-wing but on other occasions forced to act as the man through the middle in the absence of a recognised striker.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford while Kylian Mbappe would represent a dream acquisition for the club’s supporters.