Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said Marcus Rashford is central to his plans to make them the “best club in the world” and urged the forward to remain at Old Trafford to realise his ambitions.

Manchester United last won the Premier League in 2013 and have not won any silverware since lifting the Europa League trophy in 2017.

It is their worst trophy drought in 40 years but there have been signs of progress under Ten Hag.

England forward Rashford, 25, has been a key factor in their revival, scoring nine times in nine games since returning from the World Cup to take his tally to 17 in all competitions.

“I think he understands Man United is his club,” Ten Hag told reporters. “But also, in this environment, in this team, he is playing his best football.

“He can bring in his qualities and this team can help him get in the right position and to score goals. He knows that he is important for us. If we want to get the success we want, we need him.”

Manchester United triggered a one-year extension on Rashford’s contract, which will now expire in 2024, amid interest from Ligue 1 champions Paris St Germain in December.

“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.

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

Ten Hag also backed Antony, whose recent form has been scrutinised. “He is not losing games. He is playing and the team is winning and that already gives a message how well he is performing,” he said. “He can do better. I see space for improvement and we want him to be more direct.”