“He’s the only good player Man United have and the best in the Premier League, all my teammates are afraid of facing him…But he’s just wasting his time at the club, he must join us if he really want to win trophies”: Man City superstar praises Man United player and urged him to leave the club immediately.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has shared his optimism about Marcus Rashford’s gradual return to top form, crediting it to external support and Rashford’s own enhanced discipline. Rashford, now 26, had a standout 2022-23 season under Ten Hag, netting 30 goals and representing England. That season marked a career high for Rashford, who thrived within Ten Hag’s system at Old Trafford.
However, the following season saw a sharp decline in his performance, with Rashford managing only eight goals. This dip coincided with his omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad, further adding to his struggles. Personal issues also added pressure, as media scrutiny intensified, leading to a difficult period both on and off the pitch.
Despite these setbacks, Rashford is showing signs of regaining his form. After starting the current season amid criticism, he responded with determination, scoring his first goal since March against Southampton and following up with a brace against Barnsley. These performances suggest Rashford is rediscovering his rhythm.
Ten Hag has frequently stressed the importance of resilience at a demanding club like Manchester United. He believes Rashford’s recent resurgence stems from his increased control over his career, as the forward, with his wealth of experience, navigates the ups and downs of professional football. Ten Hag remains hopeful this upward trajectory will continue.
When asked about his role in Rashford’s recovery, Ten Hag emphasized that while external support helps, the primary responsibility lies with the player. He acknowledged Rashford has received some support but credited the player for resetting his life, training habits, and mindset. According to Ten Hag, only when a player is disciplined both on and off the field can their true talent shine, which is now becoming evident with Rashford’s renewed performances.
Speculation continues about Rashford’s possible return to England’s national team, but Ten Hag remains focused on his club form, leaving the decision to national team selectors. As Rashford regains his confidence, the door to international duty remains open.
Ten Hag also addressed off-field incidents that marred Rashford’s previous season, such as attending a nightclub after Manchester United’s heavy loss to Manchester City and falling ill after a night out in Belfast, missing training as a result. These incidents highlighted the need for discipline off the field to maintain high performance at a club like Manchester United.
Rashford’s recent resurgence has improved his chances of securing a regular spot in Manchester United’s lineup. His contributions in the 3-0 league win over Southampton and the 7-0 Carabao Cup victory against Barnsley have positioned him as a key figure for upcoming matches, including the fixture against Crystal Palace.
At the same time, emerging talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo are making strong cases for first-team inclusion. Garnacho impressed with two goals in the Carabao Cup, while Diallo’s significant progress since January has drawn praise from Ten Hag. The manager sees great potential in these young players and is eager to develop their talents further.
As Manchester United progresses through the season, the combination of Rashford’s return to form and the rise of promising young players like Garnacho and Diallo provides Ten Hag with a range of attacking options. This mix of experience and youthful energy is crucial for keeping Manchester United competitive across multiple competitions, and Ten Hag is confident his squad has the depth to challenge on all fronts.
