Erik ten Hag (right) has claimed that Marcus Rashford (left) is ready to right the wrongs from last season. PHOTO: Getty images
In Summary:
- Marcus Rashford faced a tough 2023-24 season, managing only eight goals.
- Erik ten Hag praises Rashford as “engaged, ambitious and motivated” for the upcoming season.
- Get breaking Premier League news straight to your phone on Our new WhatsApp channel.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed confidence in Marcus Rashford’s ability to bounce back from a difficult 2023-24 season.
Ten Hag described Rashford as “engaged, ambitious and motivated” to improve upon his performance from last year.
Rashford, who scored 30 goals in Ten Hag’s inaugural season and secured a lucrative £300,000-a-week contract, struggled both on and off the pitch last season.
Rashford scored just eight league goals and missed out on England’s Euro 2024 squad .IMAGE: Getty images
His poor form even led to his exclusion from England’s Euro 2024 squad.
However, Ten Hag has been impressed with Rashford’s pre-season performance, stating, “Rashy, we all have seen on tour he was very lively, in a very good shape already.” The manager added, “We expect a lot as we expect from the whole team this season.”
Ten Hag dismissed concerns about lingering off-field issues affecting Rashford’s performance, emphasizing, “He is working very hard, very good, very engaged, very ambitious and motivated to make a good season.”
The addition of former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as an assistant coach is expected to help Rashford regain his top form.
Rashford is likely to start on the left side of United’s attack in the Community Shield match against Manchester City.
The 26-year-old has been working on his mental focus during the offseason, revealing, “I think more so when I’m in season, doing puzzles and just little games to keep myself activated.”
As Manchester United prepares for the new season, all eyes will be on Rashford to see if he can return to his previous goal-scoring form and put last season’s difficulties behind him.