Ten Hag backing Rashford to rediscover his best form

Erik ten Hag says Marcus Rashford is "very ambitious and motivated" to rediscover his best form with Manchester United.

Rashford has been linked with a summer move to Paris St Germain after a dramatic slump in form last season.

The England winger scored just eight goals in 43 appearances in all competitions having notched 30 in 2022-23, but has impressed Ten Hag during United's pre-season tour in the United States.

The Dutchman, whose side take on Manchester City at Wembley in the Community Shield on Saturday, said: "We’ve all seen on the tour he’s very lively.

"He’s in very good shape already and we expect a lot, as we expect from the whole team a lot this season.

"There are so many suggestions around Manchester United and around this team. So we know the truth and he’s working very well, very hard, very engaged.

"And he’s very ambitious and motivated to make it a very good season."

Rashford signed a new long-term contract last summer, keeping him at the club until 2028, but speculation mounted over his future after he was disciplined for a trip to a nightclub in Belfast in January.

He also chose to take a break from social media due to rising criticism, which he described as "abuse".

When asked if he could explain Rashford’s drop in form, which cost him his place in England’s Euro 2024 squad, Ten Hag said: "There are so many reasons, you can list them I think.

"There can be part individual reasons and definitely club, team and many reasons why a player is performing or not."

Ten Hag’s squad was badly hit by injuries last season and fitness issues continue to hinder his bid for progress before this weekend’s curtain-raiser.

United, who launch their Premier League campaign at home against Fulham next Friday, could be without four