How Rashford is stepping on it from home
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has stepped up his rehabilitation from injury in recent weeks, as this season’s top scorer endeavours to make the most of the ongoing lockdown.
The Academy graduate has not played since 15 January due to a serious back injury he sustained in the Emirates FA Cup victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
But it was recently confirmed on 30 March that Rashford had been cleared to step up his recovery programme following encouraging signs on his latest scans, with his progress being monitored by the club's medical staff.
As the 22-year-old explains in the latest episode of our ‘Ask Man Utd’ series, which you can watch below, he has been working harder than ever in the last few weeks.
Asked if he's having group calls with team-mates, Rashford admits he has been too busy: “I've not had any group ones to be honest. I have just been working, you know, I have sort of had my head down. It has been a tough period for me, the last few months, obviously being injured, but in the last few weeks I have been able to step on it a bit more, so I have just been getting my head down and working.”
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Asked about his progress with training, Rashford says: “You know I am privileged enough to have the equipment I need at home so it is not much different for me as I do a lot of work at home anyway, so I am just staying indoors and making sure I am eating right.
“For me motivation is always quite simple. It changes as time goes on, but now that everything outside the pitch is sort of dealt with, I can just focus on myself and improving myself. That is my motivation every day. Regardless of whether we are stuck inside or not, that doesn’t change.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
On Friday, the Premier League announced that all clubs have agreed that this season’s Academy programme will be curtailed, from Under-23s to Under-9s.
In a post via his official Twitter account, Rashford offered his advice for young players who might feel disappointed. “The news you got was probably not what you wanted to hear. I know all you want to do is play because I’m the same but the decision has been made to protect everyone involved.
“This is bigger than football. You might be feeling a bit low but the best thing you can do is pick up your ball and get out in the garden. When I was in the Academy I used to find a spot in the garden and aim for targets just so I could practise my accuracy – get creative!
“Now is not the time to fall out of love with the game, it’s a time to remember why you fell in love with it in the first place. You’ve got this and we can’t wait to see you all back next season!”
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