Jonny Evans makes admission about the first time he saw Marcus Rashford at Man Utd

Jonny Evans says he is not surprised to see Marcus Rashford excelling in Manchester United’s first team given his rise through the academy.

Evans never got the chance to share the pitch with the attacker until the defender came on as a substitute against Arsenal following this summer’s return, eight years after his initial exit. However, the Northern Irishman was well aware of Rashford’s talent having heard about and watched him during his days in the academy at Carrington.

Rashford made his senior United debut in February 2016, scoring a brace against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League. Evans says it was only a matter of time before the England star became an Old Trafford hero.

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“I don’t think I ever even trained with him but everyone was very aware of him,” Evans explained to TNT Sports. “I can actually remember watching a game just at the back of the canteen on the balcony.

"I think Rio [Ferdinand] was there and I think Marcus might have been only 13 or 14, he was playing in the left wing out there, and he was head and shoulders above everyone else, he really stood out in that match.”

Listing Rashford’s traits, Evans added: “You could just tell he was playing at a level and with a maturity, and obviously, his physical attributes, his speed and technique, that he was going to go on to become a top player at Manchester United, so it was no surprise.

“I think it was only maybe like a month or two after I left where he ended up making his debut against Arsenal when he got the two goals and kind of kick-started his United career.”

United have had a synonymous history with its academy