Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has revealed he contemplated the club’s exit before Erik Ten Hag took charge in the 2021-22 season. Rashford flowered upon the arrival of the Dutchman in the previous season and played a key role in Manchester United’s third-place finish.

The 25-year England striker scored 17 goals and provided five assists in the 35 matches he played in the Premier League in the 2022-23 season. Furthermore, he scored six goals and one assist in the nine matches of the Europa League.

Rashford also played a key role in taking Manchester United to glory in the EFL Cup, scoring six goals in as many matches. Moreover, he scored one goal and provided two assists in six matches of the FA Cup.

Ergo, Erik Ten Hag was able to get the best out of Marcus Rashford in the previous season. Earlier this month, Rashford signed a five-year contract with the club.

Asked if he had plans to leave Manchester United before the start of the previous season, Rashford told reporters: “Before the manager came maybe a little bit.

“But it’s football, it happens. Everything is going to happen for a reason and he came to the club at the right time for me, the timing worked out,” he added, before explaining what had changed under Ten Hag.

“Freedom — we were just a little bit rigid in the past, sometimes you’re not enjoying your football and that was the case with me. I wasn’t enjoying my football as much as I should be, as much I was used to enjoying it.

“Because of that it influenced my performance and ultimately that’s how I am as a person; if I’m not happy then it’s difficult for me to play my best football.”

The Red Devils will begin their Premier League campaign on August 14 at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.