20 February 2023 , 14:11
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Michael Owen believes that Marcus Rashford could become the first Manchester United striker to break the 30-goal mark in a decade.
The Old Trafford academy graduate continued his stunning run of form on Sunday with a brace in the 3-0 victory over Leicester. That has seen Rashford chalk-up the most prolific season of his career to date, with 24 goals to his name already.
Rashford has been in red-hot form since the World Cup, taking on greater responsibility in the final third for Erik ten Hag's side and shining both out wide and through the middle. That has seen Owen hint that Rashford could become the first Man United player to score over 30 goals in a single campaign since Robin van Persie ’s haul in the title-winning 2012/13 season.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, he said: "He [Rashford] should be targeting 30 goals. Six [more] goals in the form he’s in.
“We’re only just past halfway, there’s still a lot of big games, and Manchester United are still in virtually every competition as well.
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"It's scary numbers we’re looking at and we’re looking at a player that we’re talking about at world-class level in years to come if he keeps this going."
Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring against Leicester (Getty Images)How many goals do you think Rashford will finish on this season? Make your predictions in the comments below
Following the win over Leicester, Rashford opened up on his electric form by saying that he has no intention of taking his foot off of the gas ahead of what could prove to be a pivotal week in the season.
"It's still early in the season," the striker said. "We're fighting for a lot of different things and we have another big game in the week to hopefully go through to the next round of the Europa League and then a massive game for us [against Newcastle ].
"I don't feel like slowing down and always want to improve. We have to just focus on ourselves, do as well as we can and keep picking up points."
Whilst Erik ten Hag and the Old Trafford hierarchy will be delighted with Rashford’s current form, there appears to be growing concern over his long-term future with the Red Devils. He has just a year-and-a-half remaining on his current contract - the upcoming summer window representing realistically their last chance to earn a considerable fee for his services.
European giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are both thought to be interested in a swoop for Rashford - albeit the Red Devils are taking steps to try and retain his services. They are keen to offer him fresh terms, with a wage of up to £300k per week thought to be on offer.
In the event that he does not put pen to paper, United are set to demand a premium of £120m should they be forced to sell in the near future. The Red Devils are also considering a move for another big name forward in the summer - Tottenham ’s Harry Kane and Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen among the names to have been mentioned in the past.