Marcus Rashford says he is in a “good place” and ready for a fresh start under new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
Rashford endured his worst campaign at United last season, managing just five goals as his form and confidence deserted him, resulting in him losing his England place as well. Although the majority of United's squad had a season to forget, Rashford's decline was the most dramatic, with his future at Old Trafford coming under question for the first time.
But the 24-year-old, who spent a significant chunk of the summer working on his fitness and physique at Nike HQ in the US, said he is rejuvenated and ready for a new start under ten Hag.
"For me it's a fresh start, something I'm looking forward to," said Rashford, ahead of the second game of United's pre-season tour, against Melbourne Victory on Friday.
"The first two-and-a-half weeks of training has been good. We've 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'm looking forward to getting more games under my belt and getting ready for the season.
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"It's a lot easier to make mistakes in a team that is winning. Individually, it's the same thing. It's a lot easier to come back and improve when you make mistakes in a winning team. When you're losing, it's difficult."
Rashford is desperate to win back his England place for the World Cup this winter and reckons not being involved in the Nations League games last month turned out to be a benefit for him in terms of getting back to his best.
"It's not been natural to have a long break, just under four weeks, a long break both physically and mentally," said 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 pre-season. I feel a lot better than usual, when I go away with the national team and come back part-way through pre-season. It is important to get a fresh start. I feel fresh and ready.
“There are a lot of things to work on and a lot of messages to follow. It's about being focused and trying to give the best of yourself.
“We'll use our time in pre-season to get the best versions of each other, individually and as a team. If we do that, we'll be ready to start the season.”
Ten Hag's United reign got off to the best possible start, with a 4-0 win over arch rivals Liverpool in Bangkok, and the Dutchman believes there is huge potential to unlock within his newly inherited squad.
"I think Manchester United has a huge potential and really good players," said ten Hag. "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.
"Manchester United is famous for it. Marcus Rashford is one, eh? It's a symbol of the academy of Manchester United and there will be more talents coming after.
Ten Hag has confirmed skipper Harry Maguire, who missed the Liverpool game with a slight injury, is available to face Melbourne Victory at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
