For Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, this is arguably going to be one of the most important seasons in his career to date.
While it's typical to say that at the start of each new campaign, Rashford comes into the 2024/25 season having missed out on the England squad for Euro 2024 and on the back of one of his worst Premier League performances since he made his debut.
The United veteran contributed to just nine goals and assists, a tally the forward has bettered in five of his last six seasons.
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Ten Hag: Once he scores one, the goals will come
In United's penalty shootout defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, Rashford had two big chances to give Erik ten Hag's side the lead.
This had everything but the finish for @ManUtd 😬#CommunityShield pic.twitter.com/QkoK1GdYvl
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) August 10, 2024
Alejandro Garnacho's introduction off the bench was required to provide the spark United needed. That was before they then conceded moments later.
Bernardo Silva was unmarked in the box and headed past Andre Onana to send the game to penalties. City went on to win the penalty shootout after Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans missed their spot-kicks.
But the Community Shield is an opportunity for players to gain fitness, match sharpness and for managers to assess players.
In his post-match interview, Ten Hag gave his analysis of Rashford's performance.
"I think he was several times in very good positions," Ten Hag said. "I'm very pleased he is getting in those positions. Keep going, keep making those movements and the team will make those movements, he will score goals.
"He's experienced enough to deal with this and once he scores one, then the goals will come."
Ten Hag was then asked for a comment on the potential new arrivals Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
To which he said: "When we have some news, we will announce it.
"Until that point, we will work with the squad that is available. It's clear we have problems and we have to work. The players have to work to be available and the staff have to work, together it should be a good collaboration with the players who are available."
