Rashford found himself one-on-one with Ederson late in the contest but his effort came cannoning off the post, leaving the England forward with his head in his hands. Ten Hag dismissed fears of confidence and was confident the goals would eventually start flowing: “No. He was several times in good positions, very pleased he is getting in there, he will keep making those moments, he will score goals.

The Dutchman will be pushing for involvement from the start whilst Jadon Sancho too is back in contention after his loan spell away last term. Rasmus Hojlund commanded the No.9 role last term, but will spend several months on the sideline. Alejandro Garnacho has continued to be a bright spark whilst Amad Diallo is also back in Manchester and is hoping to establish himself at Old Trafford.

Prior to the Community Shield Ten Hag had talked up Rashford’s pre-season and backed him to return to his best. “We know the truth. He is working very hard, very good, very engaged, very ambitious and motivated to make a good season,” he said.

He said: “We worked and we had a competitive team. That is the responsibility for all of us. It is from players in the first place to be available and then for the staff to work with them, to support them, make them fit and keep them fit.

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