Marcus Rashford has admitted that Manchester United's players are already fitter than they were last season, just over two weeks into their pre-season preparations under manager Erik ten Hag.
United made an excellent start to their summer schedule on Tuesday, brushing arch rivals Liverpool aside in Thailand, winning 4-0. Jadon Sancho, Fred, Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellistri all scored to secure a winning start to the Ten Hag era.
Although the victory was impressive, results are not considered as a top priority in any club's pre-season campaign, with fitness levels and performances much more important. United, although Jurgen Klopp's side had a much-changed look to it, particularly in the first-half, were sharp and aggressive against the Merseysiders, ensuring they earned plenty of plaudits from their first outing under Ten Hag.
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United looked fit and organised, offering encouragement ahead of the start of the new season next month. And although it remains very early days, Rashford is confident that success can be achieved.
"I think we can do a lot together," admitted Rashford, speaking to the media in Melbourne on Thursday. "For me it is a fresh start and something that I am looking forward to.
"I think the first two, two-and-a-half weeks of training have been good; we have improved a lot and we are a lot fitter than we were last season. I know we are still making mistakes along the way but we have a lot of room for improvement.
"I am in a good place right now and I am looking forward to getting more games under my belt and getting ready for the season."
Rashford was a late starter last season, missing the start of the campaign because of a shoulder injury. It meant that he struggled to live up to expectation, scoring just five goals all term.
But having been left out of the England squad for last month's Nations League fixtures, the United academy graduate is raring to go this time around. He has been back in training since Ten Hag's first day at the helm.
He added: "It has been a bit unnatural for me to have such a long break over the summer; I think I had just under four weeks, so I had a long break physically and mentally. This is an opportunity to go again and it is always the case with a new season, whether you win or lose.
"I will use that opportunity to do what I have always done and refocus."
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