Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been made to look foolish following his comments on Marcus Rashford ahead of this season. The Dutchman backed his forward to improve on last term’s goalscoring tally but that achievement now looks a long way off.
Rashford enjoyed his best campaign in front of goal in Ten Hag’s first year in charge. He scored 30 times in all competitions as United ended their six-year wait for major silverware with the Carabao Cup.
The England international had twice hit 20 goals in a season before but never more than 22. He was expected to be the main man for Ten Hag heading into this season.
There was no indication that Rashford was going to do anything else but build on his recent success. Ten Hag backed him to do so during pre-season, insisting he can score more than he did last term.
Ten Hag said in July: “For Rashy we expect him to raise the bar. He had a good season last year but that doesn’t give guarantees for another great season.
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“Everything has to be right, his base, his foundation, attitude, lifestyle etc. But also to work on his game, work on the way of play for himself and [within] the team.
“We are looking for goals and Rashy, in this moment, proved he has a very good goalscoring record. But for himself he wants to make the next step and score more goals than last season.”
But Rashford has endured a nightmare few months at club level. He has scored just one goal in all competitions and hasn’t found the back of the net in his last 12 matches.
Rashford’s form has left Ten Hag with egg on his face. But the ex-Ajax boss has been honest that the 26-year-old must do better.
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Ten Hag said earlier this month: “I think he’s not happy, we are not happy. We have expectations, he has high expectations of himself.
“At this moment, he is not in his best form. But I know he will be back. I know when the team is playing better, he will play better, he will score goals. I am confident of that.
“This season he will improve and score goals, he’s totally in the team and aware on everything. He will be back on track.
“That can happen very quickly. Sometimes you need only one game, I’m sure he will get there.”
Rashford has so far kept his place in the England squad despite his poor club form. Ten Hag will be desperate for him to find his feet again once domestic action resumes.
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