Man Utd forward Rashford wants central role, but Shearer sees him facing England frustration

Marcus Rashford may want a central role for Manchester United and England, but Alan Shearer sees him behind Harry Kane with his country.

Having burst onto the scene as leading striker during an injury crisis at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal, the 19-year-old has often been used in a wider berth since.

His pace and direct running allows him to take on that challenge with consummate ease, but the youngster sees himself as a main frontman and hopes to prove his worth in that position.

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He may, however, have to be patient, with United reported to be in the market for further firepower and Tottenham’s Golden Boot-winner Kane very much the man in charge of the number nine jersey with England.

Former Three Lions striker Shearer told The Sun on that battle: "It is great to hear Marcus Rashford come out and say he wants to be England’s main striker. But this is Harry Kane’s time to shine.

"He deserves his chance to lead the line for England due to the sheer volume of Premier League goals he has scored in the last three years.

"Then let’s embrace the battle to see who should be our main centre-forward at the World Cup and further into the future."

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Rashford, who is currently preparing for England’s 2018 World Cup qualifier with Scotland on Saturday, had previously told reporters when quizzed on his favourite position: “Of course it’s to play down the middle.

“But playing on the left creates a different picture in your mind. It’s what’s needed to play down the middle.

“It’s all a process and if I keep buying into it and learning from it, hopefully everything will come through when I’m playing in the number nine position.”

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Rashford netted 11 times in 53 appearances during the 2016-17 campaign.

Considered to be an important figure by Jose Mourinho, he has also remained a regular in the England set-up.

He has, however, failed to find the target for the Three Lions since netting on his debut in a pre-Euro 2016 friendly clash with Australia just over a year ago.