Mueez Ajao
– Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford says he is in a “good place” and is ready for a fresh start under new manager Erik ten Hag.
– Rashford looked a shadow of himself last season as United endured a miserable campaign under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and then Ralf Rangnick.
– He managed just five goals and lost his place in the England squad but 24-year-old says he’s refreshed after a summer break.
Also Read: Ten Hag off to great start as Man Utd beat Liverpool
– “For me it is a fresh start, something I am looking forward to,” Rashford said at a news conference in Melbourne, Australia.
🔴 @MarcusRashford is raring to go ⚡️#MUFC || #MUTOUR22
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 14, 2022
– “The first two and a half weeks of training has been good. We have improved a lot [and we’re] a lot fitter than last season.
– “We have a lot of room for improvement. I’m in a good place right now. I am looking forward to getting more games under my belt and getting ready for the season.
– “It is a lot easier to make mistakes in a team that is winning.
– “Individually it is the same thing. It is a lot easier to come back and improve when you make mistakes in a winning team. When you are losing it is difficult.”
– Rashford spent part of his summer training at Nike headquarters in the United States and was one of the first players back at Carrington to begin preseason.
– He is keen to win back his place in the England squad in time for the Qatar World Cup but believes not being selected for June’s Nations League games may have been a blessing in disguise.
– “It has not been natural to have a long break, just under four weeks, long break physical and mentally,” added Rashford.
– “It is an opportunity to refresh. I am ready to go again.
– “This is my first year I have been with the team since the beginning [of preseason].
– “I feel a lot better than usual, when I go away with the national team and come back part-way through preseason. It is important to get a fresh start. I feel fresh and ready.”
– Ten Hag’s reign began with a 4-0 win over Liverpool in Bangkok and next take on Melbourne Victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.
– The Dutchman is close to bringing in Lisandro Martinez as his next summer signing but insists Rashford is “a symbol” of the potential he has inherited at Old Trafford.
– “I think Manchester United has a huge potential, and really good players,” he said. “We have experienced players, but also a lot of young guys, young boys, who have a lot of potential.
– “Now it’s to get the potential out and therefore we have to work really hard.
– “Man United is famous for it. Marcus Rashford is one is, eh? It’s a symbol of the academy of Manchester United and there will be more talents coming after.”
– Ten Hag has confirmed that Harry Maguire is a available to face Melbourne Victory after missing the game with Liverpool through injury.
