Marcus Rashford says he is ‘in a much better place physically and mentally’

The Manchester United forward looks set to return after the international break

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has admitted that he is in a "much better place physically and mentally" as he prepares to return from injury. The 23-year-old has yet to feature for the Red Devils this season after undergoing surgery on his shoulder over the summer and although he is cautious following his rehabilitation, he admitted he is feeling much more prepared mentally ahead of his return to the pitch. In an interview with the BBC, Rashford said: "My recovery is — I wouldn't say coming to an end because obviously I have to keep looking after it — but I'm in a much better place physically and mentally.

"Last year was a very long season for me, I got this injury at the end of September and gradually it got that little bit worse. "But now I'm fully free of that, I feel much better physically and mentally."

During the interview, Rashford also opened up on the abuse he suffered in the aftermath of the Euro 2020 final after he and teammates Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were the victims of racist abuse online, but Rashford said that the support he received was something he will always remember. "It's hard to describe the feeling it gives you," said Rashford. "But one thing I've always said is that I want to see people act as one in communities and environments and that was one big highlight for me. "It was a time everyone came together and whatever they thought was the right thing to do, they just did it and it was a special moment." Rashford's first involvement could come this weekend, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Related links:

• Man who racially abused England trio after Euro 2020 final avoids jail time
• Marcus Rashford returns to full training ahead of vital run of Man United fixtures
• Marcus Rashford acknowledges Manchester Utd legends after receiving honorary degree

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