Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admits he rates 18-year-old Marcus Rashford as a "fantastic talent", but admits the starlet was only on the bench against Watford due to an injury suffered by James Wilson.
The Dutch boss, who took his squad south to Vicarage Road yesterday without Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial, had intended to involve Wilson, despite conceding the striker could not manage the whole 90 minutes due to a lack of match practice.
In the event, Wilson picked up a knock before the team travelled and Van Gaal played Memphis Depay as his striker, the Dutchman scoring in the 2-1 win.
Van Gaal explained via his club's site: "Wilson had a swollen knee after training.
"Wilson did not play for six weeks, so you cannot play in the Premier League without match rhythm; you have seen with Memphis that in the second half, he was less [effective for the same reason]", he added.
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Wilson's injury meant Van Gaal called for young forward Rashford to sit on the bench, the first time the youngster has been picked as a substitute.
The Manchester United boss admits he rates Rashford hugely, but had still intended to pick Wilson ahead of the 18-year-old due to his greater experience.
"I had Rashford on the bench, a fantastic talent, but Wilson has more experience in the league."
