Marcus Rashford’s striker’s mindset puts Manchester United ‘in a stronger position’ in Champions League

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford praised the team performance as a whole as his side took all three points from their opening Champions League group stage encounter away to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Champions League finalists, at home and with Neymar back in the team, were heavy favourites against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side - but the Ligue 1 side lacked cohesion in attack, were open in defence and found David de Gea in fine form when they did manage to create chances.

At the other end, a twice-taken penalty from Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring, before Rashford hit the late winner following Anthony Martial’s own goal.

The England international pointed to the Red Devils’ desire to all pitch in and follow the game plan as key reasons for the win.

“It’s a nice feeling and more importantly we win the game. We’re in a stronger position in the group but it’s the first game and the concentration and intensity we have to take into the next games, also in the Premier League,” Rashford said to BT Sport.

"It’s a good performance but also one where we have a lot to build on. I always believe in the team and it’s important to believe in the system that the manager chooses.

“Today we did that. We kept the intensity high, had to defend deep at times in a low block and it can be tough but the full-backs defended unbelievably. When we defend like that we can do great things.”

His late winner marked the second time Rashford has earned United a big victory in Paris, after his penalty essentially sealed the job for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer nearly two years ago.

The striker didn’t want to draw parallels between the occasions, but pointed out his focus was always in trying to secure victory for his team, whatever the fixture.

“They were opportunities to win the game and as a striker, late on in games, that’s your mindset - you might get one chance and you have to do your best to make it count. It’'s all the same and gets us the three points.”