Iheanacho welcomes comparisons to Man Utd man

Mark Holmes
Kelechi Iheanacho: Healthy rivalry with Marcus Rashford

Kelechi Iheanacho: Healthy rivalry with Marcus Rashford

Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho has welcomed comparisons between him and his Manchester United counterpart Marcus Rashford.

Both players have enjoyed impressive debut campaigns in the Premier League this term. Nineteen-year-old Iheanacho has scored 13 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions for City, while Rashford burst on to the United scene in February with four goals in two matches against FC Midtjylland and Arsenal.

Iheanacho told the Daily Mail: “I hope people keep comparing us because if we can keep challenging each other in the coming years it could be great for Manchester. If we both keep doing well, improving and scoring lots of goals for the team it could be interesting.

“I love a challenge so when people compare me and Rashford, it gives me more confidence and motivation. It also makes me work even harder.

“Rashford is a great young talent. He is big and strong and makes good decisions so I think he’s going to be a really good player for United in the coming years.”

After joining City from Taye Academy in his homeland Nigeria in 2014, Iheanacho has enjoyed a whirlwind first season in the club’s first team, helping the side win the League Cup and playing in the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

“Whatever happens now it has been a great season for me. I couldn’t have imagined what has happened so far so I’m really happy,” he added.

“The other lads are always talking to me, offering advice and helping me – whether in training or in games – and I listen to everything they say.

“Like any striker I love scoring goals and I’m not really fussed how they go into the net as long as they do.

“I just take the chances as they come. It’s just about being in the right place at the right time and when the chance comes your way you have to be able to take it.”