Ten Hag hopeful Rashford will be available for Newcastle clash

Erik ten Hag has “good hope” that star man Marcus Rashford will be available for Manchester United’s vital Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Sunday.

Rashford has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career so far, netting 27 goals in all competitions to help the Red Devils to end their six-year trophy drought by lifting the EFL Cup in February, beating Newcastle in the final.

However, Rashford was forced to withdraw from the England squad for the recent international break after picking up a knock late on in the FA Cup victory over Fulham.

With Ten Hag’s men travelling to play the Magpies again on Sunday in a crucial encounter in the race for the Champions League spots, the Dutchman believes Rashford is in with a strong chance of featuring.

“I’ve good hope,” Ten Hag told reporters at his pre-match news conference. “He trained but he had to do some treatment, he had to do some individual training. Today he joined in with the group.

“We have one more day. I have a good hope he will be available.”

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Rashford’s impressive season comes after a disappointing 2021-22 campaign, in which he scored just five goals in all competitions as the Red Devils recorded their lowest-ever Premier League points tally.

When asked about the influence he had exerted on Rashford’s much-improved form, Ten Hag pointed to the 25-year-old’s enhanced mentality as well as coaching, while revealing talks were going on behind the scenes to extend the forward’s deal with the club, which is set to expire at the end of next season.

“I’m not Harry Potter,” Ten Hag said. “It’s like a process. There are many tools you’re putting in your management to let people get to [their] best form and best shape. It’s about line-up, way of playing,

“Especially it’s a lot about himself because he’s the one and he has the skills. So when he is in the best attitude, best mentality, then he will score goals.

“It’s [new contract talks] an internal process. We focus on winning games. Of course, [we are] also planning for the future so in the back we’re working on that. It’s about agents, it’s about football director John Murtaugh. Rashy and I are focusing on performing.”

Following his withdrawal from the England squad, Rashford was pictured in New York after flying out to the United States for a holiday.

Having played 44 games for United already this season, Ten Hag has no problem with the forward getting away to rest ahead of a busy end to the campaign.

“I think it’s positive that he was on a break,” Ten Hag added. “I think Rashford, I think with Bruno [Fernandes], he was playing the most games of the whole squad.

“Our players are playing the most games in this crazy season. They need a breather to collect energy. For me, it’s positive he took that time to turn off from football.

“I have seen him back this week and he has shown a lot of energy, a lot of motivation, it was a good spirit and a lot of focus.”