Paul Scholes compares Marcus Rashford’s finishing to Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy

Forward came off the bench against RB Leipzig to score a fantastic hat-trick

(Getty)

Paul Scholes compared Marcus Rashford's finishing ability to Ruud van Nistelrooy after the England forward scored a stunning hat-trick off the bench against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

Rashford, who was initially rested ahead of this weekend's fixture against Arsenal, replaced Mason Greenwood in the second half and scored twice in four minutes before adding a third in injury time.

Scholes had previously harboured doubts over Rashford’s striking instincts, but after scoring the match-winner against Paris Saint-Germain last week too, the club legend hailed the 22-year-old's development.

“You come to expect this from him. I liked his ruthlessness tonight, you felt every time he went through he was not giving the keeper a chance,” Scholes told BT Sport.

"His finishing has been questioned in the past, but tonight you're looking at 25 goals from him if he keeps that attitude.

"That was like [Ruud] van Nistelrooy, you see him going through and you know he's going to smash the ball into the corner."

Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves also highlighted how Rashford's leadership is apparent on the pitch as well, while his petition for free school meals passed one million signatures yesterday.

Presented with the opportunity to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot, Rashford instead allowed Anthony Martial to get on the scoresheet.

"I love that - he's looking out for his teammates," Hargreaves said. "Marcus knows he's gonna get his numbers, I love that. That's being a great teammate.

"That's why he's gonna be the captain because he thinks about everyone else."

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