Ferdinand reveals what Mkhitaryan and Rashford offer over Mata and Martial

Ferdinand reveals what Mkhitaryan and Rashford offer over Mata and Martial

Rio Ferdinand believes Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford are comfortable taking on defenders out-wide which gives them an advantage over Juan Mata and Anthony Martial.

United defeated Hull City 1-0 on Saturday evening thanks to a late goal from Rashford, who came off the bench, while Mkhitaryan also made his longest appearance of the season so far after replacing Mata.

The goal came after Wayne Rooney took on Ahmed Elmohamady on the flank and fired in a low cross which the 18-year-old striker netted, continuing their 100% record in the Premier League under Jose Mourinho.

The Red Devils notably utilised the flanks more after Rashford and Mkhitaryan came on and Ferdinand believes that the duo offer the exploitation of the wide areas more than Mata and Martial.

Speaking on BT Sport following the match the former England captain said: “The thing Mkhitaryan and Rashford give you that the other two (Mata and Martial) don’t, if you want it, is the ability to take the man on the outside as well.

“Too often Martial wants the ball to feet which is frustrating because he is so quick but Rashford will get the ball and ask you ‘can you defend me?’”

Following their respective decent efforts from the bench both Mkhitaryan and Rashford will be hoping to be in Mourinho’s thoughts for a starting place against Manchester City in two weeks time.

Rashford’s goal means the young prodigal striker now has six in 12 Premier League appearances, having made his league debut back in February under Louis van Gaal’s management.

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