Marcus Rashford's England U21 hat-trick gives Mourinho selection headache for Manchester City clash

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has sent a message to Jose Mourinho by scoring a hat-trick on his debut for England Under-21s as his side sealed a 6-1 victory over Norway. The teenager has given a selection headache to his manager for the upcoming Manchester derby fixture against Manchester City.

The 18-year-old was dropped from England senior squad's World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia by new manager Sam Allardyce. The former Sunderland boss suggested the lack of playing time was the reason behind his omission.

The United attacker remains hopeful his performance can boost his chances of starting against Pep Guardiola's side. Allardyce was also in attendance and the youngster was delighted to showcase his skills in front of the England manager at Colchester Community Stadium.

"That's all you want to do as a young player, give your manager a decision about whether to play you. I'm just looking forward to it," Rashford told BT Sport, as quoted by the Guardian.

On Allardyce watching the match from the stands, he said: "It means a lot [that Allardyce was here]. It's the England seniors, there is a new manager and they are doing well. Everyone is working hard to get into that side, so it was important that he was here to see our development."

"It was a good debut to have. It was a strong performance from the boys. Norway played well, despite the scoreline. We worked hard for the whole 90 minutes and I think in the end we deserved the result.

"I'd say the penalty was my favourite, to be honest. It was the first penalty I have scored since I have been a professional."

Rashford, who came on from the bench, scored the winner in the stoppage time in United's 1-0 victory over Hull City before the international break. He opened the scoring for the Young Lions in the 29th minute, before scoring two quick goals in the second half in 66th and 72nd minute to complete his hat-trick.

His latest efforts against Norway have seen him score on four debuts in a span of seven months. Rashford netted twice on his United senior team debut against FC Midtjylland earlier in February and continued the same form on his Premier League debut against Arsenal that same month.
The new United star netted on his England senior team debut against Australia in May and continued the same for England Under-21s on 6 September. His form for Gareth Southgate's side will warrant him a place in the starting line-up against City.

Anthony Martial has struggled for the Red Devils on the left side of the attack. The France international could be dropped for City and he is likely to be replaced by Rashford from the start. Mourinho may use the former AS Monaco striker from the bench on 10 September.