Community Shield: Erik ten Hag Sets High Expectations for Marcus Rashford's Performance

Marcus Rashford: Ready for a Comeback?

Manchester United forward, Marcus Rashford, is reportedly in "very good shape" as the team gears up for the Community Shield clash against rivals Manchester City. Erik ten Hag, the United manager, expressed confidence in Rashford's ambition and motivation, indicating that the 26-year-old is focused on having a successful season.

Last Season's Struggles

Last season was challenging for Rashford, who netted only seven goals in the Premier League and faced exclusion from England's UEFA Euros squad. Off-field controversies, including being dropped for hosting a birthday party shortly after a Manchester derby loss, compounded the difficulties. Rashford was also disciplined for missing an FA Cup match following a trip to Belfast.

Ten Hag's Optimism

Despite these setbacks, Ten Hag has noticed a renewed energy in Rashford during pre-season. "We expect a lot from him, as we do from the whole team this season," the manager stated, downplaying any rumors of tension between himself and the player.

Preparing for the Community Shield

Returning to Wembley, where United defeated City in the FA Cup final, Ten Hag aims for back-to-back wins against their rivals. The Dutch manager emphasized the team's determination and capability to challenge any opponent but acknowledged the need to perform consistently against lower-ranked teams.

Defensive Dilemmas Ahead of the Match

However, Ten Hag faces several defensive challenges as multiple players' fitness remains uncertain. Talking about the backline, he mentioned possible absences of key players like Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Luke Shaw for Saturday's opener.

Fitness Updates and Strategic Decisions

"It's a question mark for several players. We have to assess them on Friday," Ten Hag revealed during his pre-match press conference. This situation may lead to increased responsibility for Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot, who are working to regain fitness after missing the pre-season tour.

Looking Ahead: The Premier League Season

As Manchester United looks forward to the new season, Ten Hag expressed a desire to challenge for the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, as well as aiming for a Premier League title run. The manager remains confident, stating, "We know we can beat City, and this belief is not dependent on the outcome of this match." He also reiterated the importance of managing player fitness to avoid injuries throughout the season.

Final Thoughts

With optimism surrounding Marcus Rashford's form and significant fitness concerns looming over the defense, the upcoming Community Shield promises to be an exciting and challenging start to the 2023/24 season for Manchester United. Fans will be hoping to see their side perform well against Manchester City and set a solid tone for the months ahead.

Additional Information: Summer Transfer Window

The summer transfer window for the Premier League will close on August 30 at 11 PM UK time, coinciding with the closure of other major European leagues as part of a coordinated approach.

For further information on the latest transfer news, stay tuned to our comprehensive coverage.

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