Solskjaer urges Rashford to learn from Ronaldo

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. [Reuters]

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has encouraged Marcus Rashford to follow the example of Cristiano Ronaldo in order to make the most of his Manchester United career.

February 25 marks five years since the forward's memorable debut for the Red Devils, when he scored twice in a 5-1 Europa League defeat of Midtjylland at Old Trafford.

Having been drafted hastily into Louis van Gaal's first-team squad due to injuries and then thrust into the starting line-up when Anthony Martial was hurt in the warm-up, Rashford, then 18, struck twice in 12 minutes to help his side progress.

Rashford has since developed into a key part of United and England's plans, with 85 goals and 38 assists in 253 games in all competitions at club level, plus 11 goals in 40 appearances for the national team.

Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo warms up prior to the Serie A soccer match between Juventus and Fiorentina, at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. (Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse via AP)

His strike in the 3-1 win over Newcastle United last Sunday drew him level with David Beckham for United goals, just 33 behind Ronaldo.

Manager Solskjaer hopes Rashford takes inspiration from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who leads the goal-scoring charts in Serie A this season after turning 36 three weeks ago.

Speaking ahead of yesterday's Europa League last-32 second leg against Real Sociedad, Solskjaer said: "He's had an incredible impact on and off the pitch. He's matured, grown into a real proper young man.