It's been a stop-start season for Marcus Rashford this year. Having exploded on to the scene last term with a string of strong performances, he has only been able to show what he can do in glimpses this time around.

However, it seems he still has one major cheerleader in the Manchester United squad, who believes he can go on to challenge some of the elite players strutting their stuff in the football world today.

The young Mancunian led the Red Devils to a thrilling victory over title chasing Chelsea over the weekend, to prove that he is back in the goal trail with two in his last two appearances, as he looks to overcome the barren spell in the Premier League that haunted him since September.

But despite that, full-back Matteo Darmian believes he has everything in his locker to become one of the best players in the world, and has challenged the 19-year-old to go out and prove that he has what it takes.

United are still in with a slight hope of sneaking into the top four and secure Champions League qualification for next term, with Darmian believing that Rashford will be a major influence on their ambitions.

“Marcus is a great player. He is still very, very young and I think he is very important for us,” the Italian defender told the Manchester Evening News.

“With his quality, he can be one of the top players, one of the most important players, in the world.

“He is a very good in every part of the game, he has a very good shot, movement, speed.

“Sometimes for a striker, it is a normal there is a not as good period (scoring goals) but I hope he continues like this because it helps the team to reach our objective.”

Though United want to finish the current campaign as strongly as possible, many believe their best route into Europe is through winning the Europa League.

The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw with Belgian side Anderlecht last week, but have the chance to secure passage into the semi-finals in the second leg on Thursday.

“It is still possible in the top four and we have to fight for it,” added Darmian.

“Of course we know our characteristic. Sometimes, of course, we draw a lot of games at home.

“We deserve to win a lot of games but we lost a lot of points at home but I think we have a chance with six or seven games to go, so still the possibility in our hands.

“This kind of game and win against Chelsea gives us confidence. Everyone is concentrated for this end of the season because we know we play for two big opportunities.

“One is the Europa League and the second is finish in the top four because I think playing in the Champions League is a very good objective for next season.

“We have to fight and try to win as many games as possible."