Manchester United

The England international was dropped down to the bench for Thursday's Premier League clash against Chelsea, with his outing at Stamford Bridge coming as a second-half substitute.

Ten Hag insisted that Rashford had been rested rather than dropped against Chelsea, but his replacement Antony put in a strong performance, and the Brazilian could now keep his spot for Sunday's Premier League clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Rashford has only managed eight goals and six assists in 37 appearances for the Red Devils this term, and the 26-year-old faced fresh criticism following his disappointing performance against Brentford last weekend.

However, Ten Hag has insisted that the forward's "form is progressing", and the Dutchman has no worries over the "motivation" of the club's academy product at a vital stage of the campaign.

Rashford has struggled for form throughout the season

"I think lately his form is progressing and so the time will always be right. I think he has a big motivation because he wants to be successful with us," Ten Hag told reporters during his press conference.

"He wants to score goals but he wants to win trophies and contribute and we still have a chance in the FA Cup. He wants to fight for a Champions League spot and the Euros are coming so I will say his motivation should be high.

"And the form, that is a moment and he can change the momentum always. Before Brentford, he scored three goals in three games."

Rashford has managed just seven goals and three assists in 29 Premier League matches this season, and a disappointing campaign for the club has left them in sixth position in the table.

Fifth is likely to be enough to secure Champions League football for next term, but Man United are nine points from Tottenham Hotspur directly above them, with both teams on 30 matches.

Ten Hag concedes Champions League hopes are fading

Aston Villa in fourth are 11 points ahead of the Red Devils, meanwhile, albeit having played a game more, and Ten Hag has admitted that the dropped points in their last two matches against Brentford and Chelsea are "very expensive".

"In this week we drop in stoppage time five points and it is very expensive. The points are getting very expensive because the games are running out and we know that," he said.

"We have to catch up and we are now many points behind. It will be difficult but we will keep fighting and I am sure that you see our team, they have character.

"Today (Thursday) we have seen an example as well. They are resilient and I am sure they will be there on Sunday in the fight against Liverpool."

Man United are expected to be without the services of both Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans on Sunday, with the pair picking up injuries during the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.