Marcus Rashford's importance to Manchester United is not lost on Erik ten Hag

The Old Trafford giants are synonymous with silverware but have only won three major trophies since Sir Alex Ferguson bowed out as a Premier League champion in 2013.

United have floundered for much of that time and are in the midst of their worst trophy drought in 40 years, having failed to land silverware since lifting the Europa League aloft in 2017.

But there is a feeling of positivity and progress under summer appointment Ten Hag, who is preparing for Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Nottingham Forest.

Rejuvenated Rashford has been key to that upturn in fortunes and negotiations are under way over a new deal, with the homegrown star's current contract expiring in 18 months.

"It is confidential about talks between clubs and players," Ten Hag said. "I think he understands Man United is his club. That™s first.

"But also, in this environment, in this team, I think he is playing his best football. He™s improving and that™s about him because he™s working on the good things.

"He's giving 100 per cent energy in it, he has a good plan and I think also in this team he can bring in his qualities.

"So, this team can help him get in the right position and to score goals, where he is good at.

"This team is constructed like this that his qualities come in from and I think he knows that but definitely, yeah, he's important for us.

"If we want to get the success we want, we need him."

Rashford has scored 17 goals in all competitions for United this season and shone for England at the World Cup, when Paris St Germain publicly confirmed their interest in him.

"I hope that all our players get an interest from clubs because that means we do a good job, the team is outperforming, so that is what we are aiming for," Ten Hag said.

"Then, I would say this is the best place to be because we want to construct the best team, first of England and then in Europe and then in the world."