Marcus Rashford says he thought of leaving Manchester United before Ten Hag's arrival

Marcus Rashford scored five goals in the 2021/22 season and wasn’t even in the preferred first XI for large periods. Last season was significantly better – Rashford scored 30 goals, his most prolific in a Manchester United shirt. Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff helped revitalise his career, but before the Dutchman arrived, Rashford considered leaving the club he joined as a child.

“Before the manager came maybe a little bit [I thought about leaving], but it’s football, it happens,” said Rashford in San Diego ahead of Manchester United’s final pre-season game against Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas.

“Everything is going to happen for a reason and he [Ten Hag] came to the club at the right time for me, the timing worked out. He always wants you to improve, whether it’s physically or mentally. For us as players it’s important he works on both sides with us and if he sees an obvious place to make improvement then he doesn’t shy away from telling it. It’s important for development and you never really stop developing throughout your career.”

What changed for Rashford last season?

“Just a little bit more freedom, I felt a little bit more stability. I think that gives you the baseline to try and showcase your abilities,” he said. “I enjoy scoring goals, I enjoy making assists, playing in the forward areas and trying to cause a threat to the other team.”

Freedom?

“We were just a little bit rigid in the past, sometimes you’re not enjoying your football and that was the case with me, I wasn’t enjoying my football as much as I should be, as much I was used to enjoying it,” he explained. “Because of that it influenced my performance and ultimately that’s how I am as a person. If I’m not happy then it’s difficult for me to play my