Erik ten Hag believes Marcus Rashford will use a disappointing season, and omission from the England squad, as ‘fuel’ to perform.

The 26-year-old was left out of Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional squad for this summer’s European Championship in Germany, which was announced on Tuesday.

The player has endured a challenging domestic campaign which has yielded eight goals to date for United, after netting an incredible 30 in the preceding season.

But when asked about Rashford’s frame of mind ahead of Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup final against Manchester City, Ten Hag replied that he was very much encouraged by what he has witnessed in training this week.

“He looks good,” said Ten Hag. “A career has ups and downs and a down can also give you fuel and that is what I see in training.

“So he will be highly motivated and, as you said, speak with your feet. He is very talented and already has a big career, and I am sure he will get over this and make even more goals.”

Rashford has not started for the Reds since our last game at Wembley – a dramatic semi-final against Coventry, which we edged in a nerve-jangling penalty shootout after Rashford had left the pitch due to an injury issue.