The video will start in 8 Cancel

Get the day's biggest United stories delivered straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Marcus Rashford has been described as a 'sensation' and 'one of the best' Manchester United youngsters in years by Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 18-year-old Wythenshawe striker's heroics continued with a derby day winner against City two weeks ago, which was his fifth goal in eight starts since his February debut.

Louis van Gaal has handed debuts to 14 United academy graduates and former manager Ferguson is particularly excited by Rashford.

"You have to give him (Van Gaal) credit, he's given nine young players their debut. I think the future is good," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

"Rashford is an example of what I think is Manchester United. They are the one club in England who will always identify a Rashford and give a young kid a chance - there is no better club in England at giving young kids a chance.

READ MORE: Ferguson gives his verdict on Van Gaal's United

"Rashford is a sensation and one of the best in years."

Ferguson defended Van Gaal's reign and said City had pulled off a coup in appointing Pep Guardiola, who was the Scot's choice to succeed him at United.

"Man City have made a real coup in getting him but Pep won't find it easy, English football is not easy," he added.

"Every foreign coach that has come to England will tell you that.

"Pep will be a success but I don't think he'll ever replicate what he did at Barcelona because that was a high standard - they were the best."

What United players did during the international fortnight