FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MARCUS RASHFORD

1. He was born on Halloween, 1997

Rashford was born in Manchester on October 31, 1997, a few months after Van Gaal left Dutch giants Ajax to take up a post with Barcelona.

The day after United scored six against Sheffield Wednesday at home, with strikers Teddy Sheringham, Andy Cole and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all grabbing braces.

2. He used to play for Fletcher Moss Rangers at youth level

Rashford is one of a number of players who have gone on to play professionally after turning out for local youth club Fletcher Moss Rangers.

The likes of Wes Brown, Danny Welbeck and Ravel Morrison all represented the team in their junior years, while current United team-mates Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Tyler Blackett were also ex-Fletcher Moss players.

3. He was prolific at U18 level

Rashford topped the scoring charts for United's Under 18s last year, having found the net on 13 occasions in 25 starts.

However, he only made his maiden appearance for the club's reserves in a Lancashire Senior Cup tie with Rochdale this season, one month before he turned 18.

4. He scored twice on his UEFA Youth League debut

Nicky Butt, recently named the head of United's academy, handed him the captain's armband for the Under 19s' first UEFA Youth League tie of the season in September against PSV.

Rashford responded by scoring a brace in Eindhoven - the first coming from the penalty spot - as United coasted to a 3-0 victory.

5. He has been in senior United squads before

Van Gaal named Rashford among his substitutes in the 2-1 win at Watford on November 21 and in the draw at high-flying Leicester the following weekend.

However, on neither occasion was he brought on to the pitch by the Dutchman.