“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 believes that Marcus Rashford is steadily returning to his best form, thanks to external support and increased self-discipline. The 26-year-old forward had a stellar 2022-23 season under Ten Hag’s guidance, scoring 30 goals and representing England on the international stage. However, Rashford’s form dipped drastically last season, managing only eight goals and being left out of the Euro 2024 squad. His season was marred by off-field issues that grabbed headlines, further complicating his struggles.
Despite a rough patch, Rashford has recently shown signs of improvement. After starting the current season under intense scrutiny, he responded with determination. His goal against Southampton, his first since March, was followed by a two-goal performance in a match against Barnsley, signaling his revival.
Ten Hag emphasized the importance of resilience for Premier League players, especially those at a club like Manchester United. He explained that no football career is an uninterrupted upward trajectory, and setbacks are inevitable. According to the Dutch manager, Rashford has enough experience to understand how to recover from challenges, and he’s begun to take control of his performance and career again. Ten Hag sees Rashford’s recent resurgence as a sign that he is on the path back to his best and hopes he will continue to progress.
When asked about how he and his coaching staff, including Ruud van Nistelrooy, helped Rashford regain his confidence, Ten Hag acknowledged that some external help and backing were likely needed. However, he stressed that ultimately, it was up to Rashford to take charge of his own improvement. Ten Hag praised the player for setting his life, training, and attitude right, allowing his natural talent to shine through. He highlighted that Rashford, being a top-class player, could only perform at the highest levels when his professionalism, both on and off the pitch, was in order.
Ten Hag downplayed speculation about Rashford’s potential return to the England squad, stating that while he would always be an option for any national team manager, the decision was out of his hands. The United boss was also questioned about Rashford’s off-field incidents from the previous season. Last October, Ten Hag publicly condemned Rashford’s decision to attend a nightclub just hours after a humiliating defeat to Manchester City. Additionally, in January, Rashford was disciplined after reportedly going out in Belfast and then falling ill, which caused him to miss training upon his return.
Ten Hag was clear about the impact of lifestyle choices on a player’s performance, pointing out that a lack of discipline away from the club could severely hinder performances at the elite level. He emphasized that Rashford and every other player must maintain a well-structured, disciplined life outside of training in order to compete successfully in leagues like the Premier League.
Rashford’s recent performances, including his contributions to Manchester United’s 3-0 league victory over Southampton and the 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup, have significantly boosted his chances of starting against Crystal Palace in their upcoming match. His renewed focus and form make him a strong candidate for a starting position in Ten Hag’s squad.
Meanwhile, young talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo are also making strong cases for inclusion in the first team. Garnacho, who netted two goals in the midweek Carabao Cup match, continues to push for a starting role. Diallo, too, has been a standout performer this season, with Ten Hag noting the significant progress the winger has made since January. Ten Hag is optimistic about Diallo’s development, praising his unique attributes and expressing hope that the player continues to improve.
As Manchester United moves forward in the season, the return of form from players like Rashford, coupled with the emergence of young stars like Garnacho and Diallo, gives Ten Hag multiple attacking options. The manager is keen to ensure that this blend of experience and youthful energy keeps the team competitive on all fronts.
