Manchester United went a long way to securing a top four place in the Premier League on Saturday after their 2-1 victory over Liverpool.

The result leaves Jose Mourinho's men in second, four points ahead of Tottenham, a further point in front of Liverpool and nine above fifth-placed champions Chelsea.

In addition to being an important win for the team, it was a huge moment in the career of Marcus Rashford, who scored twice on his first league start since Boxing Day.

Rashford started the season competing with Anthony Martial for the left-wing role, but the past few months have been the first time he's really been on the outside looking in.

However, the 20-year-old grabbed his opportunity with both hands against Liverpool, and best friend Jesse Lingard has now revealed how he helped Rashford during a tough period.

Jesse and "Rashy"

Lingard and Rashford, who both graduated from Man Utd's academy system, are very good mates and are seen together more often than not around the club's AON Training Complex.

Rashford could've been forgiven for feeling sorry for himself regarding his lack of starts before the Liverpool clash, but Lingard simply hasn't allowed that to happen.

How Lingard helped Rashford in tough period

The dressing room joker helped to keep Rashford's spirits up during his first real setback by having a laugh with him and constantly reassuring him of his undoubted quality.

"You can't be depressed around me," said Lingard, who's scored an impressive 13 goals so far this campaign, via The Mirror. "I'm always winding him (Rashford) up.

"It’s good you can be around him to have a laugh and reassure him that it’s going to come good and that, if he gets a chance, he will perform, which he’s done."

Lingard continued: “It’s a big club with big players and, for players like me and ­Marcus, it’s going to be tough to start every game.

"But, once you’re on the pitch, you’ve got to make an impact and maybe next game you’ll be playing. He’s got good people around him. They always assure him he’s in a good place.

"What kid wouldn’t want to be at United at the moment? He’s doing well, he’s come in (to the starting XI), he’s got the right mentality and shown the manager what he can do."

The 25-year-old added: "He can do that against any team, he has that level of ­confidence to do it so, if he can keep doing what he’s doing, the sky’s the limit.”

More to come from Rashford?

Rashford will be hoping to kick on from the weekend's match-winning display and re-establish himself as a regular in Man United's starting XI between now and the end of the season.

The exciting forward has six goals and five assists from 27 Premier League matches this term, but only 14 of those appearances have been as a starter.

What do YOU make of how Lingard has helped Rashford? Does Rashford deserve to be in Man Utd's starting XI? Leave YOUR opinion in the comments box below!