Erik ten Hag says Manchester United have no intention of selling Marcus Rashford this summer.
After signing a new five-year deal after hitting 30 goals last season, the 26-year-old academy product has scored just seven times in a poor campaign for all connected to the club.
Rashford was this week again linked with a move to Paris St Germain, which could provide United with a huge windfall at a time of Premier League profit and sustainability considerations.
It would represent pure profit on that front as he is a homegrown player but Ten Hag says financial benefits are outweighed by the importance of the forward to the future.
“We didn’t re-sign him last season for (five) years with the intention to sell him, no,” Ten Hag said.
“He should be part of this project, so that is not a subject we talk about.”
Ten Hag was speaking ahead of Sunday’s crunch FA Cup quarter-final against rivals Liverpool – a match that may go some way to deciding whether the manager remains part of the now Ineos-led project.
Injury-hit United have endured a tough season and need to overcome Jurgen Klopp’s side at Old Trafford to keep their last remaining hope of silverware alive.
They sit sixth in the Premier League and face an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League but Ten Hag hopes Sunday can act as a catalyst to transform their season.
“Actually, we never got to turn around so far,” Ten Hag said. “We had our opportunities, but we missed the opportunities (to turn things around).
“Sunday we have another good opportunity to get the momentum. I think the players, the team showed lately from January on we are in a very good series of games with a lot of wins, so they have to believe they can do it. Now we have to take the momentum.
“That is also what I feel when I train with them, during and around the games; that they have that belief, a good confidence, good spirit is there in the team. Go and play and get the turnaround.”
United are underdogs heading into the quarter-final but Ten Hag expects to be boosted by the return to fitness of Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The latter is set to return after two months out, with centre-back Maguire and striker Hojlund back after missing three and four games respectively.
“We had a good week,” Ten Hag said. “The players you mention returned on the pitch. Partly at the start of the week and today we had a session and they were all training.
“I think (they are available). We have tomorrow one session. Of course, we have to see how they recover from this but it looks good.”
Ten Hag also provided a positive update on Mason Mount – who has been kept out for four months with a calf issue – and says Tom Heaton is back with fellow goalkeeper Altay Bayindir out.
“Tom Heaton is back as well,” he said. “Also, it was very good Mason Mount trained also (the) whole week with us.
“First part of the week also partly but then also he had some full sessions with us, so it’s looking good.”
Lisandro Martinez, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain sidelined, while Jonny Evans has been dealing with calf and thigh problems recently.
United said “his game-time has been carefully managed”, which is why he has not been included in Northern Ireland’s squad for their March internationals.
Leverkusen motivated by Roma loss in 2022-23
Bayer Leverkusen will use last campaign's Europa League loss against Roma as motivation to get the job done this time, so says Xabi Alonso.
Leverkusen were knocked out by Roma after a goalless draw in the second leg of the Europa League semis last season, losing the tie 1-0 on aggregate.
But a few things have changed since then with Alonso's side, who are now on an extraordinary 48-match unbeaten run this campaign, ending Bayern Munich's 11-year stranglehold on the Bundesliga title to secure their first trophy since 1993.
They are also a step closer to a treble, having beaten Roma 2-0 away in the first leg last week and reaching the DFB-Cup final against Kaiserslautern.
"We haven't forget (forgotten) last season, we felt it. We need to use this energy and hopeful we can celebrate at the end. We will put all of our focus on the full 90 minutes. We want to deserve our win and make the final in Dublin," Alonso told reporters.
The Spaniard, however, said Leverkusen will have to be on their toes despite their advantage as he believes Roma will continue to be dangerous opponents under manager Daniele De Rossi, who replaced Jose Mourinho in January.
"A second leg is always a dangerous situation no matter the result before," Alonso said.
"We are preparing to play well with good motivation and at our own game. We want to be aggressive, control and defend well as a team.
"We are expecting Roma to come with the hope of qualifying."
Vinicius 'proving he's one of the best in the world', says Carvajal
Vinicius Junior has come on leaps and bounds and is proving himself as one of the best players in the world, according to Real Madrid team-mate Dani Carvajal.
The pair are gearing up for Madrid's mouth-watering Champions League semi-final second leg against fellow European heavyweights Bayern Munich, with the tie finely poised at 2-2.
Vinicius scored both goals for Carlo Ancelotti's side in last week's first leg, taking him to 31 goal involvements (16 goals, 15 assists) in the Champions League since the start of the 2021-22 season, more than any other player during that time.
And Carvajal says the strides made by the 23-year-old are evident.
"He's improved in every aspect - his finishing, physically, his maturity when playing, knowing when it's right to attack the space or to ask for the ball to be played to his feet," the full-back told reporters during the pre-match press conference.
"He's one of the best players in the world, and he's proving that. We know that he puts in a lot of work away from [the training ground], having his training sessions, physio and coaching.
"All of this is helping him to be one of the best in the world. Hopefully, he can help us on the pitch [in the second leg] and see us through."
The most successful side in the competition's history, Madrid are aiming to remain on course for a 15th European crown, while Ancelotti targets a record-extending sixth appearance in the final as a manager.
"There's not much more to say when the time comes to play the second leg of a semi-final in your home stadium," Carvajal added. "The motivation of the match itself ensures that your attention level is at its highest.
"We know that we're up against a side with a history in this competition [six titles], so we have to attempt to beat them and reach the final."
Kick-off time set for World Cup qualifier against Dominican Republic as Reggae Boyz face busy schedule
CONCACAF has officially announced the kick-off time for Jamaica's highly anticipated opening match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against the Dominican Republic. The game is set to take place at the National Stadium in Kingston on June 6, with kick-off scheduled for 6:30 pm local time.
This pivotal match marks the beginning of Jamaica's journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, igniting hopes and dreams across the island. Jamaican football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating this clash as the Boyz aim to make a strong start on home soil against the Dominican Republic.
The announcement of the kick-off time is just the first step in what promises to be an eventful campaign for Jamaica's national team. Alongside the World Cup qualifiers, Jamaica will also participate in the prestigious Copa America in June, where they will face tough opposition in Mexico, Ecuador, and Venezuela during the group stage.
Following the World Cup qualifiers and Copa America, Jamaica's focus will shift towards the 2024/2025 edition of the CONCACAF Nations League, illustrating the team's packed schedule and determination to excel on both regional and international fronts.
Looking ahead, the upcoming World Cup Qualifier against the Dominican Republic sets the stage for an exciting period of football for Jamaica, with the team poised to showcase their talent and passion as they strive to secure a spot in the global spotlight of the FIFA World Cup.
Details regarding ticket prices, ticket purchasing, and media accreditation for the match will be provided in due course, ensuring that fans and media alike can fully immerse themselves in this thrilling chapter of Jamaican football history.
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