Marcus Rashford has said that he is "a lot more happy" at Manchester United this season, with the attacker 'enjoying himself a lot more' under the leadership of Erik ten Hag.

A disappointing 2021-22 campaign saw the forward manage just five goals in all competitions, and there were suggestions that he could leave Old Trafford over the summer.

The 24-year-old ultimately remained with the Red Devils, though, and he has been a vital player for Ten Hag during the 2022-23 season.

Rashford has scored six goals and registered three assists in 14 appearances for the 20-time English champions, and he is now just one short of 100 strikes for the club.

The England international has said that Ten Hag is "a joy to work with", with the Dutchman playing a key role in the strong team spirit at Old Trafford this season.

© Reuters

"I feel like I'm getting there. But, yeah, I'm a lot more happy, I'm enjoying myself a lot more," Rashford told PA. "I'm just looking forward to the games. The manager's a joy to work with, really. Is it hard work? Yeah, but I think we are enjoying it and we're playing better football.

"Everyone's up for the challenge, up for the fight. For me, the epitome of that was the Chelsea game. We conceded late on and we still had the courage and the determination to score again late on.

"We were disappointed with the draw, but when you look at the wider scheme of things it's great character. We've had some new signings come in the summer and we've just managed to make it work and build that team spirit as quickly as we did.

"I feel like the players have integrated well and we're learning about each other more and more. But the team spirit is very high and we want to keep that going.

"I feel like when we don't concede goals, we've got a good chance of winning games because we're creating chances. We just need to finish them off, be a bit more clinical in front of goal."

© Reuters

Rashford is expected to be in the first XI when Man United continue their Premier League campaign at home to West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.

Alejandro Garnacho will also be pushing to keep hold of his starting role, having excelled on his full debut for the Red Devils against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday, and Rashford was keen to pay tribute to the teenager.

"I thought Garno was brilliant. He expressed himself on the pitch, which is always something that we encourage. He just came on and showed no fear. He got at his man, beat him, put crosses in, he pressed well," he added.

"The only thing that was missing, really, was a goal but I think he can be proud of himself. He's had a performance that he can build on now and hopefully he gets more and more minutes. If he plays like that, I'm sure he will."

Man United will play another five matches before the campaign breaks for the World Cup, following the game with West Ham with fixtures against Real Sociedad, Aston Villa (twice) and Fulham.