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Manchester United news: Marcus Rashford hopes hat-trick will force Jose Mourinho to select him

The 18-year-old striker hit three past Norway Under-21s at the Colchester Community Stadium

Mark Critchley
Wednesday 07 September 2016 09:49 BST
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Rashford scoring the opening goal for England Under-21s against Norway
Rashford scoring the opening goal for England Under-21s against Norway

Marcus Rashford hopes that scoring a hat-trick on his England Under-21s debut will help him force his way into Jose Mourinho’s starting line-up at Manchester United.

The 18-year-old striker hit three past Norway Under-21s at the Colchester Community Stadium, as Gareth Southgate’s side ran out 6-1 winners.

Rashford was omitted from England’s senior squad for Sunday’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Slovakia after finding his opportunities limited at club level this season.

The Wythenshawe-born youngster, who has played just 19 minutes for United so far this term, now hopes that his exploits at Under-21 level will convince his club manager to give him more chances.

When asked whether he had given Mourinho something of a selection headache ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby, he said: “As a young player that's all you want to do.

“You want to make the manager make decisions about whether he wants you to play or be in the squad. Everyone is just looking forward to it so it should be a good game.”

Man Utd fans celebrate after Rashford goal against Hull

Mourinho has promised Rashford playing time this season, despite only using him for 19 minutes so far this term.

Rashford’s chances of forcing his way into Mourinho’s plans were only improved by his late winner in the 1-0 win at Hull City prior to the international break.

The 18-year-old striker will prepare for this weekend’s derby against Manchester City with fond memories of his last run out in the fixture.

Rashford scored the only goal in United’s win at the Etihad Stadium in March, becoming the youngest scorer in the derby’s history in the process.

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