Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has no doubts that Marcus Rashford will prove himself to be a vital player for the club moving forward.

The England international found it difficult to show his best form for the Red Devils last term, managing only five goals and two assists in 31 appearances, and there had been suggestions earlier this year that he was looking to depart this summer.

The forward has entered the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, although the club have the option of extending it for another 12 months.

Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with the 24-year-old this summer, but Ten Hag recently insisted that the attacker would not be leaving Old Trafford in the current window.

"He is really important. You have seen from the first day I'm in [the club], I've been really pleased [with him]. Definitely, I don't want to lose him. He's in our plans and he will stay at Manchester United," the Dutchman told reporters.

Rashford found it difficult in Man United's opening two matches of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, but he starred against Liverpool on Monday night, scoring what proved to be the winning goal in the second period.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's clash with Southampton, Ten Hag said that he has no doubts over the Englishman, tipping him to become a vital player for his side.

"I am convinced about that. From the first moment in pre-season, he impressed me, and I knew already before he was a magnificent talent and player, but he shows in every training session that he is really positive, has good energy, [his] pre-season was good, and I hope he will continue like this and be positive," Ten Hag told reporters.

"With his movements, he will always create chances, the team will create him chances and he has to believe that he and the team will do that and it's about getting the right finish. I'm convinced of that, that he can stick in that belief, yes."

Anthony Martial provided the assist for Rashford's goal against Liverpool, with the Frenchman making his first appearance of the season off the bench.

The striker had seemingly been in line to start against Southampton, having recovered from a hamstring issue, but an Achilles problem will see him miss out against the Saints.

Ten Hag said that Man United would "definitely" miss the former Monaco youngster, who could make his return against Leicester City on September 1.

"Pre-season, he did really good, I was really happy with his contribution and that's why I brought him in [against Liverpool], you can see what impact he can have on our game," the Dutchman added.

"So, definitely [we miss him]. But we have other players also who can play in that role and will do well. I never talk about players who are not available, we have to do it with the players who are there."

Man United will follow the Leicester clash with a home game against Arsenal on September 4 before beginning their Europa League group-stage campaign against Real Sociedad four days later. body check tags ::