Andy Mitten explains what people are saying about Marcus Rashford for first time in two years

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Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is looking for a bounce-back season after a difficult 2023/24.

Marcus Rashford has found the last three seasons to be a real rollercoaster at Manchester United.

The 2021/22 campaign was particularly difficult amid Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking. Interim boss Ralf Rangnick preferred Anthony Elanga to him.

Rashford then bounced back with the best season of his career, 30 goals, and then last season, he scored only eight times.

• READ MORE: Who is Marcus Rashford? Inside the life of Man Utd’s book-writing, government-tackling ace

Marcus Rashford making good impression

Marcus Rashford was left out of the England squad for Euro 2024, and we said at the time Gareth Southgate was doing Rashford a favour.

It has allowed Rashford to return to pre-season on day one, and focus on resetting. Erik ten Hag believes Rashford is capable of replicating his 2022/23 campaign.

Rashford has played in two of three pre-season games, providing an assist for Rasmus Hojlund to score against Arsenal.

Speaking following the game, respected Manchester United journalist Andy Mitten told United We Stand that all the right things are being said about Rashford behind the scenes.

He implies this was not the case last season, offering hope the academy graduate can rediscover his best form.

Mitten said: “He’s been sharp in pre-season. he did OK [vs Arsenal], he assisted the opening goal.

“I’m hearing good things about him. And I’ve not heard good things about him since pre-season 2022.

“And I get that we are really early on, the season’s not even started, but I’m relaying what I’m hearing about him, and it’s positive.”

A goal will help Marcus Rashford’s confidence

Manchester United have two pre-season games remaining against Real Betis and Liverpool, and then the Community Shield against Manchester City.

It will be important for Rashford to get on the scoresheet, for his confidence. He netted in pre-season in 2022, getting off to a strong start.

Rashford looked out of sorts last pre-season and did not find the scoresheet. It led to a slow start to the Premier League campaign which he never recovered from.

His assist against Arsenal was a good sign,and hopefully 2024/25 will be a great one for Rashford and Manchester United.