Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has revealed that Erik ten Hag’s latest pre-season is “one of the toughest” he’s ever been through, describing it as both physically and mentally challenging.
The Man United no.10 had his best statistical season ever last year, managing his highest-ever goal tally with 30 across all competitions, registering 11 assists and emerging as an even greater talisman in Erik ten Hag‘s team than under any previous manager.
Speaking to Gary Neville on the latest of The Overlap, the 25-year-old gave an in-depth interview on everything from what he’s learned from his previous coaches and what parts of his game he’s working on, to hunting down Wayne Rooney‘s goalscoring record, how his family have helped him and more.
He also touched on the impact ten Hag has had on him and the rest of the squad so far, describing this most recent pre-season as “one of the toughest I’ve ever had”.
Rashford speaking candidly and confidently on the latest episode of The Overlap, in partnership with Sky Bet.
Chatting with the former defender last month, Rashford said: “Erik’s pre-season is one of the toughest, running wise but we also do a lot of passing drills and it’s a lot of mental concentration and when you’re already physically tired, it’s difficult to concentrate for long periods of time.”
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The lightning-fast forward said that in addition to lots of ball work, the squad regularly do “20–30-minute technical sessions” before breaking into “eight or 10 blocks of box to boxes or shorter intensity runs” and then going back into the technical work.
He went on to add that part of the challenge has been carrying out these sessions in the “heat of the places that [they’re] training in”, but insisted that he feels in good shape as the pre-season is drawing towards an end.
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In fact, Rashford is feeling so confident — something he says has been restored throughout the team, reminding them that they “wouldn’t be here if [they] weren’t good players” — that he believes he could push as far as “35 or 40 goals”. Reds will just have to hope he doesn’t pick up any more injuries and can kick on even further this season, no doubt having already been lofted by his new contract.
Fitness was another aspect that the Wythenhsawe winger touched upon, describing his shoulder surgery back in 2021 as the “lowest point” in his career, and while the England international has struggled with a number of injury problems over the past few seasons, it seems his hard work and determination is paying off.
As he sees it, “If I don’t do these things [pre-season training camps], maybe you start the season and don’t feel that you’re up to scratch and I don’t want to be in that position”. As well as working on his left foot and his heading ability, Rashy is also eyeing up longevity and says he wants to play until he’s 37.
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One thing United fans will be pleased to hear is how the former Ajax coach has helped improve the chemistry amongst the squad too, stating that he’s “really concentrated on making everyone together as one”, whether they’re in the starting 11 or not.
You can Marcus Rashford’s Overlap interview with Gary Neville in full down below:
Rashford on ten Hag’s testing pre-season, wanting to start for England, a potential future in coaching and more.
Featured Image — Sky Bet/The Overlap (via YouTube)/Marcus Rashford/ Man United (via IG)
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Manchester United to wear special one-off shirt for important awareness campaign
Danny Jones
Just to pre-empt any Manchester United fans fearing they’re still in total delirium the next time they see that iconic red shirt, we can confirm it isn’t just your rose-tinted glasses deceiving you – the club will be wearing a special one-off shirt with a notable difference very soon.
All eyes may now be on Wednesday, 21 May but this limited edition kit has already caught the eye of many supporters for one very obvious reason.
In case you haven’t seen it for yourselves already, Man United have confirmed that both the men’s and women’s squads will be will be wearing a slight variation on their home shirt for their next two matches as part of a special campaign for an important charitable cause.
Joining forces with their usual primary shirt sponsors Snapdragon and global health campaigners Product RED, this one-off alternative strip will be unveiled on the pitch this week.
Product Red, or simply (RED) as it will read on the jersey itself, is a worldwide charity that’s been working to fight global health crises since 2006.
(RED)’s key aim is to end the AIDS epidemic and related injustices by raising money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
The organisation officially partnered with the club and Snapdragon back in January in an effort to help drive awareness and generate further backing for their work – it just so happens that teaming up with one the planet’s biggest brands and one synomyous with that colour made for the perfect collaboration.
With that in mind, putting together a one-off Man United kit with (RED) slap bang in the middle as is close to a commercial/charitable tap-in as you’re probably ever going to get.
Set to be debuted by Manchester United Women in their WSL fixutre against Arsenal this Saturday, 10 May and then again by Ruben Amorim’s side in the Premier League the following day (Sun, 11 May); plus, a select few limited edition replicas shirts will be made available for fans to purchase.
Be first in the know, Reds 👀
Get notified when our limited-edition @RED collection drops ⤵️#MUFC || @Snapdragon
It goes without saying that given the nature of the front-of-shirt sponsor swap, these will no doubt become somewhat of a special item among kit collectors from the off.
More importantly, however, the funds raised through selling these one-off Man United shirts will provide much-needed income for the non-profit and their crucial efforts.
The unveiling of the comes not long after the bedlam that ensued inside Old Trafford during the second leg against Athletic Club, in which United booked their return trip back to Bilbao for the Europa League final, leaving plenty of fans of seeing nothing but the colour red ever since.
MUWFC also sealed their spot in the Women’s Champions League next season to with an important point in the Manchester Derby this past weekend, confirming a finish above Man City this year.
Safe to say it’s been a good few days to be a (RED).
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.