RASHFORD: THE BUZZ IS BACK AT UNITED
MARCUS Rashford feels refreshed following his summer break and believes there is already a “buzz” under new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
United finished with their lowest points tally of the Premier League era last season, with Rashford often singled out for criticism as he scored just five times, his worst return in a single campaign.
His loss of form led to him losing his place in the England squad but after admitting he needed to “switch off” a couple of months ago, he is now energised and believes the rest of his colleagues are as well.
“We have got that feeling of excitement and that buzz around the training ground again and so it is definitely positive going into preseason,” Rashford said on manutd. com.
“I feel like I probably needed that time to switch off a little bit and me having that time enabled me to refocus a lot earlier than I expected.
“I feel ready and focused so when that first game does come it’s good to know you have done almost six weeks of training beforehand. It will definitely be a positive.”
United are adamant Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale despite the frustrated star reportedly asking the club to leave if an acceptable offer arrives.
The 37-year-old made a shock return to Old Trafford last summer, joining from Juventus for a deal rising to 23 million euros (£19.6m).
Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions and was named Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, but his individual quality was unable to prevent his first season back at United ending trophyless.
That finish means Europa League football awaits rather than the Champions League – a prospect the veteran is not enthused by, having played at Europe’s top table throughout his career.
Ronaldo has reportedly asked to be allowed to leave if a satisfactory offer arrives, but a senior United source indicated that the forward is not for sale.
The Portugal star has one year remaining on the deal he signed last summer.