Manchester United: Jamie Redknapp explains why Rashford should worry if Mourinho arrives at Old Trafford

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has warned Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford that his first team opportunities could be limited if Jose Mourinho is appointed as the successor to Louis van Gaal in the summer. The Dutchman still has one year left on his contract and can help the Red Devils win the FA Cup this season.

The 20-time English champions have continuously struggled this term under the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager's guidance. They sit sixth on the league table with 63 points and have a chance to finish in fifth place if they beat AFC Bournemouth on 17 May.

Injuries and suspensions, forced Van Gaal to give Rashford a chance in the first team. Mourinho is reportedly set to pip current Red Devils boss for the United job and Redknapp fears the Portuguese tactician's reputation of playing an experience striker could hamper the 18-year-old's progress at Old Trafford.

"My heart says Manchester United have to get Jose Mourinho in now but my head is not so sure. If I put myself in Marcus Rashford's shoes I'd be worried as Jose hasn't got a great track record of giving youth a chance," Redknapp told the Daily Mail.

"That said, United need someone to go toe to toe with Pep Guardiola at City and there's no-one better for that than Jose. You just feel if Louis van Gaal stays, next season will be another wasted campaign for United. With him they don't look close to winning the league."

"United also have a conundrum with Wayne Rooney. He could drop into midfield but I don't think that role suits him. Rooney's been one of the best No 10s we've seen and he's got to fight for his place as a striker."

Meanwhile, England and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has urged Roy Hodgson to include Rashford ahead of West Ham United's Andy Carroll as a replacement for Danny Welbeck. The Arsenal forward is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines following a knee injury he picked up against Manchester City.

"Rashford has great potential. He's been one of the few positives for one of the world's biggest football clubs this year," Shearer said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

"He may not have got his chance if it wasn't for injuries or suspensions. When he's been in, he hasn't disappointed. He has energy and pace and is a more realistic option for Welbeck than Carroll."