Marcus Rashford tipped to thrive under Pochettino by Brad Friedel

Marcus Rashford could thrive under Mauricio Pochettino at Manchester United, according to Brad Friedel.

The former Tottenham goalkeeper saw Pochettino’s methods up close. He believes Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo can both benefit, and points to Dele Alli as the example.

It is a bold call, with Rashford out of form and United 18th in the Premier League. But it is also a reminder of what Pochettino does best, and why his handling of Rashford could shape his first few months at Old Trafford.

What Brad Friedel said about Marcus Rashford and Mainoo

Speaking to Sam Matterface, Gabby Agbonlahor and Scott Minto on talkSPORT, Friedel said Pochettino would look to the club’s younger players rather than trying to win over the senior figures first.

“Somebody like Marcus Rashford could really thrive under him if that’s one of the players that Mauricio pinpoints,” he said. He named Mainoo as another.

Then came the comparison that will get United fans talking. Friedel pointed to what Pochettino did with Alli at Tottenham, and praised his ability to make players feel valued and wanted within his system. He said Pochettino and his staff are excellent at “being compassionate and making you feel wanted”.

‘They’re just getting outworked at times’

Friedel was clear that the arm around the shoulder comes with demands. He was blunt about what he has seen from United this season.

“They’re just getting outworked at times,” he said. “That’s one part of the game he won’t tolerate at all.”

He also described the standards Pochettino sets for any squad. In Friedel’s view, Pochettino wants talented players at his club, but “he won’t tolerate it if he does have an ego”.

Why the Dele Alli comparison matters

Pochettino signed an 18-year-old Alli for Tottenham in 2015. Under him, Alli scored 55 goals and made 48 assists in 194 games, and he was named PFA Young Player of the Year in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Rashford needs that kind of lift. According to Goal, he has no goals or assists in eight appearances this season. United have gone eight Premier League games without a win.

Can Pochettino really fix Rashford?

Friedel’s comments add to the discussion about which United players could benefit from Pochettino’s appointment. We looked at other candidates in our Pochettino tactics analysis, and Rickie Lambert has already warned the squad about the running.

Pochettino’s backing could give Rashford a fresh start. But Friedel’s assessment comes with a condition: the player has to fit the manager’s system and meet his demands.

You can follow every development of Pochettino’s start on our Premier League hub.