Former Manchester United centre back Rio Ferdinand has declared Red Devils striker Marcus Rashford as the best English forward in the Premier League.

Rashford burst onto the scene for United last term as his goals helped lift a side then struggling for goals under former manager Louis van Gaal and has continued that scoring form for club and country this season.

Though he has faced stern competition from Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a role in his preferred position at times this term, the forward has steadily earned his place in the United lineup. Now, Ferdinand is backing the star to shine for England as well.

‘I think Marcus Rashford should be selected for the senior squad next week and be unleashed against Malta,’ Ferdinand wrote in the Evening Standard.

‘Including his hat-trick for the U21s against Norway earlier this month, no English striker has scored more goals since he made his professional debut in February,’ he added.

Ferdinand insists age should not be a factor in the decision to field Rashford owing to his reliable performances and ability to make a difference.

‘I don’t care how old you are, that record warrants a place in the squad. He has been the best striker in this country since February in terms of output – the statistics don’t lie,’ Ferdinand concluded.

Rashford is likely to play from the start when United welcome Stok City to Old Trafford on Sunday.

The action is set to unfold from 13:00.