RASH HAS FOUND HIS CENTRAL SPARK

Ten Hag insists Marcus returned rejuvenated from New York trip

- IAN WHITTELL

ERIK TEN HAG has Marcus leaped to Rashford's defence after the Manchester United Istriker's transatlantic jaunt.

The in-form United star flew to New York on a shopping trip last after week pulling out of Gareth Southgate's England squad through injury.

That drew criticism from some quarters although Rashford (with his girlfriend in the Big Apple, left) is expected to be fit to start in the Reds' visit to Newcastle tomorrow.

And Ten Hag not only approved of Rashford's 6,000mile round trip but believes he has already seen the benefits from it.

The United manager said: "I think it's positive that he was on a break.

"Rashford, along with Bruno Fernandes, was playing the most games of the whole squad and with United playing the most games across and Europe especially the internationals - our internationals are not mostly on the bench, mostly they are playing.

"Our players are playing the most games in this crazy season. And at times they need a breather to collect energy.