Erik ten Hag assures Marcus Rashford’s break was a ‘positive’ and has boosted energy levels

Manchester United talisman Marcus Rashford took a short break in  New York before returning to Carrington this week.

The forward was called up by Gareth Southgate to represent England in the recent UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, however, opted to withdraw from the squad due to injury concerns.

Just days before, Rashford had started and played until the closing stages of United’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with Fulham but was substituted after picking up a knock.

When quizzed on the topic in today’s pre-match press conference, Erik ten Hag confirmed that Rashford being away from the action for the past two weeks has benefitted him.

He said via MUTV: “I think it’s positive that he was in a break. Rashford, I think with Bruno [Fernandes], he was playing the most games of the whole squad.

“I think with Manchester United playing the most games across Europe, especially with the internationals, our internationals are not players who are mostly on the bench with their nations, mostly they are playing, so we our players played the most games in this crazy season. 

“So, they need also time that they can have a breather and they can collect energy. So, for me, it’s positive that he took that time to turn off from football. 

“I’ve seen him back this week and he showed a lot of energy, a lot of motivation, so this training, as the whole team, was a really good session with a lot of spirit, but especially also with Marcus. I think, therefore, it was good.”

Rashford’s game time

The 25-year-old has played 44 matches so far this season, with United playing every match on offer to them so far. April in particular is poised to be a difficult month, as the Reds will play nine fixtures across four weeks, including a semi-final and quarter-final tie.

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