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Manchester United great Peter Schmeichel has lavished praise on Marcus Rashford following his performance in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Everton.

Rashford had been widely expected to leave Manchester United this summer after enjoying a successful loan spell at Barcelona last season.

The Catalan club decided not to turn that temporary move into a permanent deal and, although Rashford’s Old Trafford future had appeared finished after he was frozen out by former manager Ruben Amorim, new head coach Michael Carrick has brought the England international back into the setup. On the evidence of his display against the Toffees, that decision already looks as though it could bring rich rewards.

Rashford rekindled his understanding with Luke Shaw on the left side for the Red Devils, and former team-mate Wayne Rooney said he was encouraged by what he saw from the duo.

“[Shaw] was really good,” Rooney said. “Defensively he was leading and he was good going forward as well. He looked more of a threat today in his connection with Marcus.”

Manager Carrick added: “Marcus and Luke were particularly dangerous down that side.

“They’ve played together for quite some time now and have an understanding. We’re trying to build partnerships and combinations throughout the team.”

Schmeichel was especially taken by Rashford’s display and also said the 28-year-old’s new tattoo is a sign that he is serious about making his return to his boyhood club count.

“Coming away from that game, Rashford is now smelling of roses. I thought he was absolutely fantastic,” Schmeichel said.

“During the week there was a newspaper article showing that he had got himself a new tattoo. He’s got a tattoo with all the shirt numbers he’s had and he’s added the No.9 [his new Man Utd shirt number] to it.

“It just shows that there’s some intent now for Marcus to go back to what he was for Manchester United four years ago when he scored 30 goals in one season.

“He was playing like this. Seeing his team-mates, putting them in, getting the ball into good positions, stepping up, getting the ball into the box. He wasn’t trying to do everything himself; trying to be dangerous.

“That is the Marcus Rashford we all want to see and if that’s what we get for this season, welcome back, Marcus – we have missed you.”