Erik: United 'best place to be' for Rashford

Rashford has scored 17 goals in 28 games under the Dutchman’s management, including the remarkable ongoing home run which has seen him net in nine straight games at Old Trafford, equalling Dennis Viollet’s 64-year-old record.

The club is currently in contract negotiations with Rashford, having extended the additional one-year option on his deal late last year.

Although Erik is unable to give any update on the matter at the moment, he was keen to once again underline the importance of no.10 to his current and future United plans.

“Of course it’s confidential, the talks between clubs and players,” he began, in the second part of his pre-match press conference ahead of the Nottingham Forest game.

“I think he understands Man United is his club, that’s first, but also, in this environment, in this team, I think he is playing his best football.

“He’s improving and that’s about him because he’s working on the good things, he’s giving 100 per cent energy in it, he has a good plan and I think also, in this team, he can bring in his qualities.

“So this team can help him get in the right position to score goals where he’s good at, so also, in this team, his qualities are coming in front.

“I think he knows that but definitely he’s important for us and if we want to get the success we want, we need him.”

Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs that have been linked with showing an interest in Marcus but other teams wanting our players is something Ten Hag ultimately sees as a positive. as we continue to improve.

“I hope all our players are getting interest from other clubs because it means we’re doing a good job and the team is outperforming, so that is what we are aiming for,” he added.

“Then I would say this is the best place to be because we want to construct the best team, first in England and then in Europe, and then in the world.”