Marcus Rashford has said that he's his own "harshest critic" after addressing his underwhelming campaign for Manchester United last season, but adds that the pre-season tour this summer has been "priceless" for him.
It wasn't an easy ride for the 24-year-old forward last term. He returned to the squad in October following surgery on his shoulder and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United were already in free-fall.
Although, Rashford can not be void of blame for his performances. He was almost anonymous when on the pitch and looked as if he lost the ability to take on a man, leading to Anthony Elanga being preferred by interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
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This of course brought on tons on criticism from the fanbase, however, rather than taking the easy way out with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur interested in his services, the academy graduate aims to improve and reclaim his form which made him one of the most dangerous wingers in the Premier League.
The Englishman has also reiterated that whilst many were angry at what he was producing on the pitch last term, he was more disappointed in himself than anyone else.
"I think it's normal, when we're not performing as we should perform, you get criticised," he began, talking to Sky Sports. "It's part and a parcel of the game.
"I've always said that I'm my own harshest critic and I know when I'm not playing my best football and I know when I need to improve."
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With the dread of last term behind him, Rashford feels that he's in a better position to improve under Erik ten Hag next season.
Definitely, last season was a time for me to reflect on. I've had the time off in the summer and a long pre-season, so I feel a lot more ready.
In fact, this will be the first genuine break and chance to prepare for a season for Rashford since 2019.
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The chance for a full training camp has already proven positive for Rashford, who scored twice for United in their three games in Australia this month.
With the injury struggles that the player has had in the last few seasons, and the lack of rest that he's had, Rashford believes that this period before the new season is crucial so that he can start well next term.
"It's priceless to have the pre-season that I've had, sometimes I don't really take as much note of it because usually we're playing games and next season just sort of roles on from the previous season.
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"But this year I've had the time to (have a) break, rest (and) recover mentally and physically, and then I've had a proper pre-season and I feel really happy, I'm pleased I managed to do it."
Rashford and the United squad returned to Manchester on Sunday morning after Ten Hag put them through their paces in Thailand and Australia.
They will link up with new signings Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez when the squad return to training at Carrington on Tuesday.
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After that, United will fly to Oslo to face Atletico Madrid in their penultimate pre-season friendly. A return to Old Trafford to face Rayo Vallecano on the following day will be all she wrote for the Reds before their Premier League outing against Brighton on the opening weekend.
Topics: Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League
Cain Smith