‘Most important’ - Man Utd star Marcus Rashford makes Man City treble declaration ahead of FA Cup final

Marcus Rashford insists derailing Manchester City’s treble bid is “the most important thing” ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final between the clubs.

It is the first time the final will be a Manchester derby as both teams eye their second trophies of the season, with Erik ten Hag’s side claiming the League Cup and Pep Guardiola’s men already defending their Premier League crown.

City are on course to repeat United’s 1999 feat of winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League as they face Inter Milan seven days after the Wembley showpiece.

United could seal a fine first season under Ten Hag with a second piece of silverware having already clinched a return to the Champions League.

However, Rashford admits the main motivation is to preserve United’s status as the only side in English football to win all three trophies in one season.

“Ensuring Man United remain the only English club to do The Treble? That’s the most important thing,” said Rashford at the club’s end-of-season awards as he named Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year on Monday.

Rashford has enjoyed a fine season for United, scoring 30 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions.

“It’s obviously a proud moment,” he said of picking up his awards.

“I feel I should have scored a few more, but, you know, there’s always room for improvement. That’s what I’ve been looking to do for next season.

“I’m pleased with how it went, but I’m looking forward to improve and hopefully getting better numbers in that next season.”

The FA Cup final will kick off at 3pm on Saturday in what will be United’s final game of the season. They have already confirmed their pre-season plans with a game against Leeds United in Norway on July 12 and a clash with Lyon at Murrayfield, Edinburgh a week later on July 19.

They will then head to the United States with four games to be played across the Atlantic between July 22 and July 30.