Marcus Rashford hit a stunning winner against Celta Vigo in midweek (Picture: Getty)

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes Jose Mourinho has to rest Marcus Rashford this weekend as he has become Manchester United’s most important player.

The 19-year-old has been in superb form lately after filling in for Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front, scoring a sublime winner from a free-kick against Celta Vigo on Thursday night.

With United now expected to prioritise the Europa League ahead of the Premier League for the remainder of the season, Mourinho has suggested he’ll rest most of his best players against Arsenal on Sunday.

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Merson agrees with this decision, and has called on the Red Devils boss to ensure Rashford is given a rest as he cannot afford to lose the young forward to injury at the moment.

Marcus Rashford has been crucial for United in recent games (Picture: Getty)

‘I know what I’d do, couldn’t take a chance. I couldn’t start playing Rashford in this game,’ Merson said.

‘They rely on him massively now, he is Man United.

‘They’ve got hard games. This isn’t an easy game and then they’ve got to go to Tottenham.’

Manchester United's remaining fixtures

Crystal Palace (H) - Sun 21 May
Ajax - Europa League (N) - Wed 24 May

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