Marcus Rashford: Louis van Gaal says Man Utd striker is a 'special talent'

The 18-year-old marked his Premier League debut with two goals in three minutes as United beat Arsenal 3-2.

Rashford also scored twice on his first-team debut against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League on Thursday.

Van Gaal said: "Youngsters often play well in the first match. The second is different. Marcus played well in both so he is a special talent."

The Dutchman added: "His performance was better than the first match."

Asked where Rashford's debut ranked among the best he had seen, former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax boss Van Gaal added: "I can imagine a lot of them. Patrick Kluivert made the winning goal for Ajax in the Super Cup in the Netherlands.

"Xavi, was fantastic against Valladolid for Barcelona and also Thomas Muller a fantastic debut. He was playing in the second team for Bayern Munich."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was also impressed by Rashford's performance.

"The player who was surprising for me talent-wise was Rashford because of the timing of his movement and his intelligence," he said.

"His movement in the box was great and he could be a very positive surprise for Manchester United on what I've seen today."

Van Gaal was the subject of a bizarre moment when he purposely fell on the floor in front of the fourth official.

The Dutchman, who rarely leaves his seat in the dugout during matches, appeared to be frustrated by an alleged dive by Gunners striker Alexis Sanchez.

"It doesn't happen much normally," Van Gaal said.

"I have had a lot of criticism because I am sitting on my bench and now I am off my bench and I have lot of criticism because I'm doing that.

"I have apologised to the referee and the linesman and I hope everything is solved. I have to control my emotions and I have said that also to my players."

(BBC)