All things considered, Erik ten Hag has enjoyed a good start to life at Manchester United, with his side’s recent form being impressive as the win over Omonia earlier this week meant that United have won eight out of their last 10 games in all competitions.
Marcus Rashford has been one of the main beneficiaries of Ten Hag’s appointment – the 24-year-old is in stellar form after a highly difficult 12 months.
Speaking after the turbulent game against Omonia, in which Rashford had a spectacular 10 attempts at the Cypriot goal, Ten Hag has sung Rashford’s praises but insists that he must be more clinical in front of goal.
“He did a lot of things well,” Ten Hag said, according to The Sun. “But he knows that he has to be more clinical and he had to score a goal.
“When you have such good movements and make such good combinations, good actions, then you have to finish. I know sometimes it’s the game, it’s not your night and it’s about the form of the day but it can change in another game.
“He’s in a really good run, that shows in the chances he creates. Now it’s two games he has been a little unlucky. Last Sunday [at Everton] he deserved a goal but they cancelled it, this time he didn’t score. I say save it for the coming week.”
Rashford is likely to start again this Sunday as United welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford but there is now healthy competition for places, with Jadon Sancho also playing well against Omonia.
SN’s verdict…
A fit and firing Rashford is one of the best wingers in the world and that’s something we haven’t seen for a while. Lately, he is showing signs of returning to that player.
Injuries have certainly played a part in Rashford’s difficult spell but the lack of pre-season preparations coupled with limited rest can’t be forgotten.
If he keeps this form up, he will be one of the first names on Gareth Southgate’s squad for this winter’s World Cup.