Manchester derby: Marcus Rashford and Kelechi Iheancho – the teenage strikers who could decide Old Trafford clash
Who comes out top in the battle of the young guns at Manchester United and Manchester City?
MARCUS RASHFORD and Kelechi Iheanacho are the brilliant teenage strikers who could decide the Manchester derby.
Manchester United and Manchester City have spent millions on their squads in an attempt to win the Premier League this season.
But as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola go head to head for the first time in England, the clash could be decided by two young guns who cost nothing.
Rashford has been a sensation since forcing his way into the United first team last season - and his hat-trick for England under-21s against Norway has left him pushing for a place in the starting line-up at Old Trafford.
But Iheanacho has been just as impressive for City and with Sergio Aguero serving a three-match ban the 19-year-old is the man Guardiola is expected to turn to to lead his attack.
Both are regarded among the best young talents coming through in the Premier League, and they could have a major say in who comes out on top on Saturday when United and City square-up.
Rashford may be the United golden boy, but it is Iheanacho who boasts the best record when it comes to minutes per goal.
The Nigerian has scored eight times so far in his Premier League career, at an average of 96 minutes per goal.
That shows up well compared to the record of 18-year-old Rashford who has averaged 146.67 minutes for his six Premier League goals so far.
But in terms of accuracy it is Rashford who comes out on top - with 83.33 per cent of his attempts hitting the target compared to Iheancho's 57.14 per cent.
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So the pair are evenly matched as they look to establish themselves as regulars at their clubs this season.
And they both have more to their game than just scoring goals, with the pair credited with two assists each and creating a healthy number of opportunities for their teammates.
Rashford may have to settle for a place on the bench on Saturday with Zlatan Ibrahimovic likely to lead the attack from the start.
But he and Iheanacho have already proved they can score crucial goals in big games - so don't bet against either of them writing their names in derby folklore this weekend.