Jamie Redknapp believes that Jose Mourinho has made a mistake in his utilisation of Marcus Rashford this season.

Rashford hasn't quite had the season that many were hoping for from a player that has caused such excitement at a young age.

February will mark two years since the 20-year-old's explosion into the Manchester United first team.

Two goals in the Europa League, followed by a brace on his Premier League debut and a goal in the Manchester Derby soon after meant that Rashford went from being an unknown teenager to one of England's brightest prospects in a flash.

The forward then saw his opportunities limited somewhat, however, as the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the summer of 2016 and Romelu Lukaku a year later left Rashford twice finding experienced players blocking his path.

This season, in particular, has seen Lukau chosen over Rashford at every opportunity - the Belgian has started all 27 games in the Premier League and Europe.

Injuries to both Lukaku and Ibrahimovic have meant that the Manchester-born player suddenly has an opportunity to play.

It's also, according to Jamie Redknapp, an opportunity to show that Mourinho was wrong.

"Injuries to Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic mean that Rashford will be leading the line for Manchester United against Everton this afternoon," said Redknapp in his column for the Daily Mail.

"Jose Mourinho has to let Rashford off the leash and give him licence to terrorise defenders with his blistering pace.

"Watching Ibrahimovic running recently, you could tell that something was not quite right. I am sure Michael Keane and Phil Jagielka would rather be facing him than Rashford at Goodison Park.

"When it comes to the pecking order of Manchester United centre-forwards, Rashford should not be behind a 36-year-old who has just returned from injury.

"Even before Ibrahimovic and Lukaku were ruled out, United have looked sluggish of late. With Rashford leading an attacking trio including Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard, he can restore United's fear factor."

It's an accusation that has been levelled at United all season - that they lack the dynamism to truly compete and excite at Old Trafford - and one with some weight behind it when a player like Rashford has only started three games all season in his preferred position.

Now, however, Mourinho looks forced to change things up a bit as his preferred options sit on the sidelines.

Rashford won't get a better chance.