Manchester United news: Marcus Rashford is 'carried' by Wayne Rooney, Paul Lambert claims

The 18-year-old scored 8 goals after breaking into United's first-team last season

Rashford's rise to prominence was one of the highlights of United's 2015/16 season (Getty)

Marcus Rashford is being carried by Wayne Rooney and Manchester United’s other senior players, according to Paul Lambert, the former Aston Villa manager.

The teenage striker broke into United’s first team in the midst of an injury crisis last season and went on to score 8 goals in 18 appearances, earning him a call-up to England’s European Championships squad.

Rashford was hailed as one of the few highlights in a disappointing season at Old Trafford, which ended with then-manager Louis van Gaal’s dismissal.

Lambert, however, has argued that the 18-year-old benefited from low expectations and that his more senior teammates were the ones who took responsibility for United’s poor performances.

“That kid's playing without fear. You put him in as a main no 9, carry the can, then you judge him, but he's playing without fear," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"Wayne Rooney is carrying him, Michael Carrick is carrying him – people carry you when you’re young.

“When you’re a young player you can make as many mistakes as you want and you know the critics won’t be too harsh on you.

“When you become 22, 23, 24 and you start to become a main player, then you're open to criticised,” he added.

Lambert, who most recently stepped down as manager of Blackburn Rovers in April, went on to suggest that Rashford will continue to benefit from his lack of seniority this season.

“Rashford will still be going next year, might start, he might not, but the expectation will be on [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, Rooney and the same lads who have been carrying the club for a right few years.”