Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has expressed his belief that Marcus Rashford is steadily regaining his best form, a process he attributes to a combination of external support and the player’s increased self-discipline. Rashford, now 26, enjoyed a remarkable 2022-23 season under Ten Hag’s leadership, where he not only scored 30 goals but also represented England at the international level. That season marked a high point in Rashford’s career, as he seemed to thrive in the system Ten Hag implemented at Old Trafford.
However, the following season saw a significant downturn in Rashford’s form. He only managed to score eight goals throughout the campaign, a stark contrast to his prior tally. This decline coincided with him being excluded from England’s Euro 2024 squad, a blow that seemed to compound his struggles. Off-field issues also cast a shadow over his performances, with personal challenges becoming fodder for the media, further complicating his form on the pitch. It appeared that Rashford was in the midst of a slump, both professionally and personally.
Despite these setbacks, recent signs suggest that Rashford is on the path to rediscovering his best form. After beginning the current season under a cloud of scrutiny, he has responded with renewed determination. His goal against Southampton, his first since March, provided a glimpse of his old self. This was followed by an even more impressive performance, where he scored twice in a match against Barnsley. These recent contributions are seen as a sign that Rashford is gradually finding his rhythm again.
Erik ten Hag has consistently emphasized the importance of resilience, particularly for players at a club as demanding as Manchester United. He has spoken about the inevitable ups and downs in a footballer’s career, noting that it’s not always a smooth, upward journey. Rashford, with his wealth of experience, understands this reality, and Ten Hag believes the forward is now taking greater control of his career. His recent resurgence has not gone unnoticed, and Ten Hag is hopeful that this upward trend will continue, helping Rashford reach the heights he once achieved.
When questioned about the role he and his coaching staff played in helping Rashford regain his confidence, Ten Hag was quick to point out that while external support is essential, the ultimate responsibility lies with the player. He acknowledged that Rashford likely benefitted from some external backing, but it was up to him to take control of his own improvement. Ten Hag praised Rashford’s efforts in setting his life, training routine, and mindset back on track. The manager highlighted that only when a player maintains professionalism both on and off the field can their natural talent shine through. He added that Rashford, being a top-tier player, is once again showing why he’s so highly regarded.
While the speculation surrounding Rashford’s potential return to the England squad continues to circulate, Ten Hag remains neutral. He reiterated that while Rashford is always an option for national team managers, the decision is out of his hands. Ten Hag has always focused on Rashford’s club performances, and as the forward begins to regain his form, the prospect of returning to international duty remains a possibility.
Ten Hag also addressed some of the off-field incidents that marred Rashford’s previous season. One notable event was when Ten Hag publicly criticized Rashford for attending a nightclub just hours after Manchester United’s humiliating defeat to Manchester City last October. In another instance, Rashford was disciplined after reportedly going out in Belfast and subsequently falling ill, causing him to miss training. These incidents highlighted the delicate balance that top-level athletes must maintain between their personal and professional lives. Ten Hag was clear in stating that a lack of discipline off the field could severely impact a player’s performance, especially at a club like Manchester United, where the standards are incredibly high.
Rashford’s recent resurgence has not only revitalized his career but has also boosted his chances of featuring prominently in Manchester United’s upcoming fixtures. His contributions in the 3-0 league victory over Southampton and the 7-0 demolition of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup have made him a strong contender for a starting spot in the squad. As Manchester United prepares for their next match against Crystal Palace, Rashford’s newfound focus and form make him a likely candidate to lead the line once again.
At the same time, young talents such as Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo are also making compelling cases for inclusion in the first team. Garnacho, who impressed with two goals in the midweek Carabao Cup match, is pushing hard for a starting role. Meanwhile, Diallo has been another standout performer, with Ten Hag acknowledging the significant strides the winger has made since January. The manager is optimistic about Diallo’s development, praising his unique qualities and hoping he continues to progress.
As Manchester United moves deeper into the season, the return to form of key players like Rashford, coupled with the emergence of promising young stars like Garnacho and Diallo, provides Ten Hag with a wealth of attacking options. This balance of experience and youthful energy is something Ten Hag is keen to harness, as he aims to keep Manchester United competitive across all competitions. With a blend of seasoned professionals and hungry young talents, the manager is confident that his squad has the depth and quality to challenge on all fronts.