Rio Ferdinand hopes Marcus Rashford will shine under Erik ten Hag

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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is hoping a “rejuvenated” Marcus Rashford will shine under Erik ten Hag and rekindle his best form.

United’s number 10 endured arguably the most difficult campaign of his fledging career to date last season after returning from shoulder surgery.

The 24-year-old found himself out of favour for club and country, but Ferdinand is hoping that the Manchester United Academy graduate will thrive under the club’s new manager.

Speaking on his Vibe with FIVE channel, Ferdinand: “I think the club and the fanbase will be expecting bigger things from Marcus Rashford this year.

“Last season was a bit stop-start with injuries, but this is a fresh start – new manager, by the sounds of what I’m hearing he sounds rejuvenated.

“I want to see the old Marcus that I know is there. I spoke to Marcus personally last year and the kid wants to be a player.

“Players need the right environment to produce the goods and I’m just hoping that the right environment is there for Marcus Rashford this year for him to produce the goods.”

Rio Ferdinand hopes Marcus Rashford will shine under Erik ten Hag

Despite scoring two goals in two games upon his return to the United side last season, Rashford failed to score in the Premier League last season when he started a match.

All four of his top-flight goals during the 2021-22 campaign came via the bench.

The forward started nine Premier League games under interim boss Ralf Rangnick and with the World Cup only four months away, Rashford faces a huge battle to secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Qatar.

The 46-time England international hasn’t played for the Three Lions since missing a crucial penalty in the European Championship final penalty shootout defeat to Italy.

But with Rashford speaking about the buzz surrounding the training ground since the former Ajax manager started conducting his intense sessions, and the benefits he’s feeling from having a proper pre-season for the first time since 2019 – the Mancunian could return to his devastating best for club and country in the coming months.

Like Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United fans will be hoping Erik ten Hag can unleash Marcus Rashford and get the ace re-producing the form that saw him bag 17 Premier League goals in a campaign.