Marcus Rashford has spoken of his excitement ahead of Manchester United’s pre-season tour to China and in particular showing his qualities to new boss Jose Mourinho.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Rashford, who did not feature in Saturday’s win against Wigan Athletic in order to rest following recent international commitments, said that “it means a lot to be going” on his first pre-season tour with the senior squad.
Rashford relishes Mourinho collaboration
It was previous boss Louis van Gaal who handed Rashford his debut but, whilst the striker would undoubtedly have been grateful for that chance, the young striker is now looking forward to working with his new Portuguese boss.
The striker, who made an outstanding breakthrough into the first team from February onwards, claimed the tour is “an opportunity to show the manager what you've got.” Rashford also stated that it is important “to take the opportunity when it comes” but having scored eight goals in 18 appearances after being handed his surprise chance last season, the England international can be confident of taking advantage when the chance arises once again.
This will be Rashford’s first pre-season tour with the first team but the forward has tasted the kind of fanfare United will expect upon their arrival in China, having played there before for the club’s youth sides. The 18-year-old described that support as “crazy”, adding that it was a “really good experience.”
Big name competition no concern
Rashford will be in good company with this being his first tour with United, though, with new signings Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic also expected to join up with the squad on tour at some point this summer. Whilst both could limit his game time, Rashford said he was looking forward to the tour “especially with the players that could be going”, perhaps alluding to the pair of new arrivals, and also said “I’ve got a lot I can learn from them.”
Interestingly, the Englishman also said he was hoping for plenty of time on the ball during pre-season and, although Van Gaal’s possession style of football will be no more this term, having quality players like Mkhitaryan and Ibrahimovic in the side should ensure that Rashford gets lots of touches of the ball in China.
With James Wilson and Will Keane having done little to impress in Saturday’s win against Wigan, other than the latter scoring with a simple tap-in, Rashford can be confident of receiving plenty of chances to play in matches against Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City in the next week.