The Dutchman believes that the 18-year-old Red Devils striker should not be ruled out of international football even at this early stage of his career
Louis van Gaal has played down Roy Hodgson's comments regarding a potential England call-up for Marcus Rashford, but says "it is never too early" to pick a young player.
The Manchester United striker, 18, made his bow for the senior team little over a week ago, but has found the net four times in only three outings and has been billed as one to watch as a result.
His manager, who has experience of international football with the Netherlands international team, has said that Hodgson should not rule out a call up for the forward purely because of his age.
"It is never too early," he told reporters. "I have said that also a lot of times in press conferences.
"Age is not important. I have said that, maybe you remember that.
"Age is not important, it's the quality."
Van Gaal also suggested the prospect of Rashford playing for England had only been created by media questions put to Hodgson.
He said: "I think that Mr. Hodgson has answered the question of the media and now you are asking again.
"Who is paying a lot of attention to that? That is the media, that is not Hodgson or I. We have to answer the questions, so this is my answer to you. You are putting the question and then you are saying that Hodgson is telling something. No, he is answering questions."
Rashford, who scored a double on his Premier League debut against Arsenal last weekend, could feature for United on Sunday, as they continue their quest for a top-four finish against West Brom away from home.
- Goal