Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has praised Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho over his handling of Marcus Rashford.

Rashford returned to the team against Blackburn on Sunday and scored his seventh goal of the season in the 2-1 win at Ewood Park.

Smith told Sky Sports: "After he exploded onto the scene he was never going to continue like that.

"You have to take a dip as a youngster. And I think Jose Mourinho's just been very careful with him. He's had opportunities but he's not played as well as he would have wanted to.

"There's fierce competition for places up top. Wayne Rooney can't even get in so it's no disgrace for a lad of Rashford's age.

"But he's clearly a lad with great talent and you want to – I think they have done – tie him down for a few years to come.

"That goal (against Blackburn) will do him a lot of good."