Manchester City go up against Manchester United tonight with Pep Guardiola aiming to shackle Marcus Rashford - the ONLY player from the Red Devils he’d have in his formidable squad.
Rashford has become United’s talisman this season, flourishing in the absence of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to score 16 goals across all competitions. He’s also registered five assists, too.
His goal tally is six more than Anthony Martial, who has three assists, and Mason Greenwood’s total of eight.
Without him, United would be even more in the mire. Rashford, nearly four years on from his sensational debut during Louis van Gaa’s time in charge, appears to finally be coming good.
And he’s the only player that Guardiola would have in his City side.
Last year, it emerged the Spaniard had told a United legend of his admiration for the England international.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola would only sign one Man Utd player (Image: GETTY)
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Man City boss Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of Man Utd star Marcus Rashford (Image: GETTY)
He wasn’t a failure in that position - proving this season just how devastating he can be from the left wing.
But he didn’t manage the same terrific goalscoring form that he’s managed this campaign.
Only one City player has managed to find the net more times than Rashford across all competitions this season.
That’s Raheem Sterling, who already has 20.
But Rashford, interestingly, has outscored City hitman Sergio Aguero so far. The Argentine is one behind on 15 and he’s managed three less assists than the United star.
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He’s also found the net more times than Gabriel Jesus, the man expected to be Aguero’s eventual replacement.
Rashford has hurt City in the years since he first donned the club’s red jersey.
He famously scored in a 1-0 win at the Etihad, leaving Martin Demichelis on his backside as he coolly slotted past Joe Hart.
And, just recently, he was on target in a 2-1 win at the Etihad.
Guardiola may look on with envy if the United star does the same during tonight’s Carabao Cup clash at Old Trafford this evening.