Marcus Rashford has expressed his desire to stay at Manchester United and fight for his place in Erik ten Hag’s team after falling down the pecking order under Ralf Rangnick.

Rashford’s lack of confidence, dwindling passion and poor stamina saw him occupy the bench more often than not for United after he returned to the squad following his shoulder surgery.

Having managed just four goals and two assists in the Premier League across the 2021-2022 campaign, Rashford had been linked with a departure from Old Trafford this summer.

Tottenham was touted as his likely destination but United have dismissed claims the 24-year-old could join Spurs and will subsequently help Rashford ‘reset and refresh’ under ten Hag.

So, will ten Hag get the best out of the under-performing forward during the 2022-2023 campaign? If anyone can, he can. The Dutch manager has a track record of helping out-of-favour stars rediscover their best form.

The 52-year-old established an exciting style of football and developed several youth players into first-team stars during his time at Ajax.

He is also known for his ability to resurrect the careers of failing footballers who have lost their way. He has signed multiple players from the English top-flight and beyond – despite their struggles in their respective leagues.

So, with that in mind… how will ten Hag approach Rashford’s transformation? Well, it all starts with confidence.

The 24-year-old’s self-esteem took a hit last season after failing to land a regular place in the starting XI after returning from his shoulder injury.

Rashford endured a torrid season at Old Trafford, managing just four goals and two assists in the Premier League across the 2021-2022 campaign.

However, it was the England international’s actions off the ball that were the most alarming for United fans.

He was failing to make the right runs, he was sloppy in possession, he was robbed of the ball in 1v1 situations and his head dropped after every mistake he made.

Ten Hag will look to help Rashford recognise his quality by highlighting his key attributes and emphasising the importance he has on the team.

Ten Hag will also look to give Rashford the licence to attack out wide. The Dutch manager favours a 4-3-3 formation – a system previously implemented by Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United.

However, he has adapted to a 4-2-3-1 formation when needed and used a 4-4-2 diamond system during his time at Utrecht.

That being said, it seems likely that Ten Hag will go ahead with a 4-3-3 formation for the start of the 2022-2023 Premier League campaign and reassess later down the line.

The Dutch manager will encourage United to be patient in their build-up play and press with intensity. He will also ask his players to use the left-hand side of the pitch for combinations and the right-hand side for 1v1 situations.

Therefore, Rashford will be given the opportunity to attack freely on the flanks and connect with his fellow team-mates in dangerous areas – something the 24-year-old has spoken about before.

Speaking about his preferred position in April 2020, Rashford said he favours the left wing. He told news outlet 90min: ‘When you are on the left, you can create a lot more things on your own, giving that little bit more to the team.

Ten Hag will also look to transform Rashford physically after expressing his concern over the fitness levels of the Manchester United squad last season. This should significantly enhance Rashford’s concentration and ability on the ball.

Rashford is clearly anticipating the physical demands the new manager will place on him. As a result, he has been seen working hard on his fitness ahead of United’s first pre-season game against Liverpool on 12 July.

He shared a 90-second workout video on Instagram, with the caption: ‘3 sessions in and feeling good after an amazing break with amazing people. Back to work.’

Rashford will be hoping his work ethic, combined with Ten Hag’s magic touch, will help revive his career at Manchester United.