Erik ten Hag has 'no concern' over future at Old Trafford
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been urged to show faith in Marcus Rashford by handing the forward the captaincy against Liverpool. Usual skipper Bruno Fernandes is suspended for United’s trip to Anfield, while Harry Maguire is injured – leaving Ten Hag with a tough decision to make over his leader.
Former striker Dimitar Berbatov has suggested that Rashford should be handed the armband. The England star has endured a tough season, scoring just twice across all competitions.
Berbatov – who also named Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane and Scott McTominay as contenders to replace Fernandes as captain – believes allowing Rashford to lead the team could be the confidence boost he needs.
“The question is, who leads the side at Anfield? Who deserves the captain’s armband more, the experienced players like Jonny Evans or Raphael Varane, or someone younger and hungry like Scott McTominay?” Berbatov told Betfair.
“Sometimes, how to deal with a player who is going through a difficult patch of form, it’s good to show them faith. Marcus Rashford needs to be shown faith – maybe he should be captain for the game.
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“Rashford could realise that this is his chance to be a leader and the main star at Man United. These moments can elevate players, they just need an arm around their shoulders.”
It is unclear who Ten Hag will select as captain. Maguire – who was stripped of the captaincy last season – is unavailable after hobbling off during the defeat against Bayern Munich in midweek.
Casemiro was United’s captain at times last season but is also injured. Luke Shaw, a potential contender, has returned to full fitness.
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“Yes, I know,” Ten Hag said when asked if he had made a decision over his captaincy – though he refused to offer any more details. The Dutchman is facing extreme pressure to overhaul a terrible start to the season, with United desperately hoping to avoid a 13th defeat of the campaign.
“I feel that [support] and they tell that [to me],” Ten Hag insisted. “That’s fine, but I’m focusing on the process, to make this team play better, I’m focusing on making the individuals better, that’s my concern.
“That’s no concern [over losing my job] because I’m here to win and I have to make the team play better. If you play, then good is not good enough. We are inconsistent and I have to work on the team playing for longer periods on a high level. I want to progress with my team in the right direction so we are here in a project.”
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