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Marcus Rashford hailed as Ronaldo-like after stunning goal against Chelsea

Dimitri Kondonis
Manchester United's English striker Marcus Rashford gestures at the final whistle during the English Leaguse Cup fourth round football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 30, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford proved the match-winner against Chelsea. (Credit: Getty Images)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has likened Marcus Rashford to former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo after his stunning free-kick winner against Chelsea.

The England international opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Michy Batshuayi levelled for the hosts.

Rashford then sent the visitors into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a jaw-dropping hit from 25 yards in the final 20 minutes.

READ MORE: Marcus Rashford double fires Manchester United into quarter-finals

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United scores the winning goal to make it 2-1 during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 30, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Rashford's second-half free-kick was similar to Ronaldo's in 2008. (Credit: Getty Images)
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 30: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal takes a free kick during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Uruguay and Portugal at Fisht Stadium on June 30, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Ronaldo has become known for free-kick technique. (Credit: Getty Images)

Solskjaer, who played alongside Ronaldo at Old Trafford, said Rashford’s vicious set-piece was reminiscent of the Portuguese star’s trademark free-kicks.

"It's very Cristiano-like, isn't it?" Solskjaer told MUTV. "The boy has got nerves of steel, takes a penalty, no problem. Steps up and hits the ball like he does and wins us the game - fantastic."

Ronaldo popularised the ‘knuckleball’ style of free-kick after a stunning effort against Portsmouth in 2008, which he repeated throughout his career with United and Real Madrid.

Manchester United's English striker Marcus Rashford takes a penalty and scores his team's second goal during the English League Cup fourth round football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 30, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
The United youngster scored twice on the night - including a first-half penalty. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Willy Caballero of Chelsea is beaten by Marcus Rashford of Manchester United free-kick to make it 2-1 during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 30, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
But his vicious free-kick swung, dipped and moved in the air. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Willy Caballero of Chelsea cannot stop Marcus Rashford of Manchester United scoring their second goal during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 30, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
His effort left Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero absolutely helpless. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Solskjaer heaped praise upon Rashford, after saying the 22-year-old practises that same style, but admitted United still require improvement.

"Marcus has that strike in him," the United boss added to Sky Sports. "I've seen him in training so many times.

"When you give young lads the experience, like Brandon Williams got tonight - and the kid was outstanding - it's only going to help them.

"We know we're not the finished product, we're a work in progress and keep trying to improve. We were excellent, with fast flowing football. That's Manchester United. We're trying to get back to that."

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