Marcus Rashford Praises Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Influence After Newcastle Win

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford praised the influence of caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the team's 2-0 win at Newcastle United on Wednesday. 

The Red Devils have been in brilliant form since the Norwegian took over from Jose Mourinho in mid-December, picking up four wins in his first four games in charge. United's forwards have appeared enlivened too, with Rashford and Romelu Lukaku on the scoresheet at St James' Park.

Speaking after the game, Rashford said the encouragement he's received from Solskjaer has helped him step up a gear, per Samuel Luckhurst, Ciaran Kelly and Charlotte Duncker of the Manchester Evening News.

"I think that's the key, we haven't had chance to work on it proper yet, but just having those words around you it makes a difference, and I want to improve and keep learning," the England international said when asked about improvements in his composure.

Lukaku also said it's been refreshing for the strikers to have someone who played in their position in charge.

"Totally different—I think Marcus and Anthony and I are learning a lot from him, especially on the offensive side, and he just tries to help us to make us better and win games, and so far so good," the other goalscorer said.

Sports writer Daniel Harris suggested the players' collective mindset is an improvement on what it was under the previous coach:

Rashford has been tasked with leading the line for United in all four of the games since the Portuguese's departure, and he's excelled.

Having previously been utilised in wide berths under Mourinho, up top, the England international's speed, movement and improved linkup play has made him difficult for opposition defenders to pin down. 

There's also been a spike in his productivity too, with Rashford on the scoresheet in the wins over Cardiff City, Bournemouth and Newcastle. In the most recent of those victories, he was awarded the man-of-the-match prize:

Kris Voakes of Goal thinks the 21-year-old is relishing the extra responsibility that Solskjaer has handed to him:

The manner of his goal will have also pleased United supporters, as there was an assurance in Rashford's strike that has occasionally been absent in similar moments previously. This season, he's been snatching at opportunities, perhaps aware of the fact that another may not come along again for a while as a result of his position, the style of football or rotation.

With United back on the front foot in games again and with Rashford leading the line, the young forward does appear primed to take the next step in a career that promises so much.

Although Lukaku has found himself back among the goals as of late and was a major signing for United ahead of the previous campaign, Rashford is deserving of his status as the club's first-choice striker.