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Marcus Rashford: 'It hurts every day to see where United are now'

Marcus Rashford: 'It hurts every day to see where United are now'
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The 21-year-old England forward has committed himself to the club until 2023, with the option of a further year.

Marcus Rashford is determined to help Manchester United back to the top after signing a new four-year contract at Old Trafford.

The 21-year-old England forward has committed himself to the club until 2023, with the option of a further year.

The new deal reportedly puts the Academy graduate among the top earners at United, rewarding him for his progress since breaking into the first team in 2016.

The news also continues a positive summer for the Red Devils following the recent signings of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is rebuilding after last season’s frustrating sixth-placed Premier League finish and Rashford wants to feature prominently in the Norwegian’s plans.

“It hurts every day to see where we are now, (compared) to where we’ve been in the past,” Rashford told The Times. “I use that pain as motivation. It makes me more determined to put the club back where they belong.

“There’s nothing I want more than to see the club winning the Premier League again, winning the Champions League again.

“Everybody here deserves much, much more than what we’re giving them right now, not only the fans, the club itself. They don’t deserve to be where they are now.

“As players, we’re the ones who have the opportunity to try and forget about the past five, six years and put the club back on track.”

Wythenshawe-born Rashford emerged as Solskjaer’s first-choice striker in the closing weeks of last season.

His previous contract was due to expire next year and, with other clubs including Barcelona reportedly interested, United were keen to tie up a new deal.

Even though the team’s form was poor as the 2018-19 campaign drew to a close, Rashford enjoyed working under Solskjaer, who took over from Jose Mourinho last December.

Rashford (left) hopes to play a big part under Solskjaer
Rashford (left) hopes to play a big part under Solskjaer (Martin Rickett/PA)

Rashford, who has made 170 appearances for the club, said: “He just gets it. He understands. He’s been a player here. He knows how we may feel in certain moments because he’s been there himself.

“The fact that he understands us way more than a normal manager is why he’s fitted in straight away.”

Rashford, who also has 32 England caps, is convinced Solskjaer’s methods will come good.

He said: “That’s what drives me every day. If I didn’t believe it, I wouldn’t be waking up every morning and giving 100 per cent to try and put the club back where they belong.

“I believe in the players, the staff and the manager. The players have the faith in the manager now.

Rashford also has 32 England caps
Rashford also has 32 England caps (Tim Goode/PA)

“If we’re going to do it, now’s the time. We’re looking forward to the new season. One season is not going to change it.

“It can take two or three seasons but I feel we’re ready to take the first step, and really start showing people that we are Manchester United.”

Solskjaer himself believes the new deal is superb business for United.

He told the club’s website, www.manutd.com: “Marcus is one of the most talented English players of his generation. He is an outstanding player, blessed with natural pace and energy.

“Despite being only 21 years old, Marcus already has great experience. He has a fantastic future ahead of him with the club and I am delighted that he has signed a new contract.”

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