Manchester United: Louis van Gaal warns media to leave Marcus Rashford alone

Louis van Gaal has warned the media to leave Marcus Rashford alone following his stunning introduction as a Manchester United player. Rashford, 18, was unheard of outside the club until a late injury to Anthony Martial saw him thrown into the first team at the last minute for United's Europa League clash with Midtjylland on 25 February.

With his side needing to overturn a first-leg defeat, the teenage striker struck twice on his senior debut to help his side progress, becoming the club's youngest European goal-scorer in the process.

The Wythenshawe-born starlet surpassed that feat with another brace on his Premier League debut three days later, also providing the assist for his side's third in a 3-2 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Rashford's rise has inevitably seen the player become the centre of attention, but Van Gaal has pleaded with the press to keep a firm distance.

"First, I think that the media have to leave him in peace," Van Gaal told a press conference. "When you are in front of his house and that kind of stuff, I don't think that is beneficial for a boy of 18-years-old.

"Give him the time to be 18-years-old, and we shall guide him also in that way. But he is a very modest guy, so I don't think that shall be a problem. Of course, when you have so much attention from the media, it can go in another way. I believe he shall keep his feet on the ground."

Four goals in two games should see Rashford included again when United host Watford at Old Trafford on 2 March. Anthony Martial could be fit to return after missing the club's last two games.