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Cape Town - Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has highlighted the potential of highly-rated forward Marcus Rashford, but says it's important not to pressurise him.
The 18-year-old made his only league appearance under Jose Mourinho when he replaced Juan Mata in the 71st minute the match against West Ham on Saturday and subsequently went on to net the winning goal.
"Marcus is a fantastic player, one of the brightest talents in European football. We know that and we saw it last season," Rooney told reporters.
"He's a young lad and it's important not to get too carried away. Sometimes it's hard to do that because he's such a talented player but, as players and team-mates, we need to try to guide him through it and let him focus on the football.
"I'm sure his chance will come. He did brilliantly when he came on and got his goal. He's an important player for us."
The teenager was called up to the England squad for the European Championship in the off season, where he became the youngest ever player to represent the Three Lions at the Euros after coming on for Adam Lallana in the win over Wales.
"It's a huge honour for him to play for England," Rooney added.
"It was a big moment for him to go to the Euros and it's still important for his development to go and play with the Under-21s.
"It's important that he gets games because he hasn't played that much. I think it will be good for him. He knows that and he understands that and his time will come and he will get his chance for Manchester United and England."
