Marcus Rashford’s renaissance at Manchester United has been stunning and the 25-year-old is now comfortably one of the best players in the Premier League.
His status as one of the divisions best was confirmed earlier on Friday as he was named Premier League Player of the Month – the second time he has been the recipient of that award this season.
Rashford has scored 10 goals in his last 12 appearances and recently equalled the record for goals in consecutive matches at Old Trafford.
Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, has used Rashford’s turnaround in form as an example as he discussed his own side’s shortcomings, admitting some of his players have not been able to reach their normal standards.
“We can all see that some players didn’t exactly reach the level they reached for us consistently over five or six years,” Klopp is quoted as saying by the Guardian.
“That’s not unusual – it happens to other players as well. One of the best examples ever probably will be Marcus Rashford. The season he had last year and the season he has this year, I’m not sure he can really explain it.
“Erik ten Hag coming in, new boys, a different approach, of course it makes a difference, but it’s not as though Marcus didn’t want to deliver last year. Now he is flying. That’s how it goes.”
SN’s verdict…
Rashford’s development this season may be difficult to grasp for some and Erik ten Hag deserves huge credit for reviving the player’s career. With 18 months remaining on his contract, the club will be desperate to tie him down to a long-term contract.
As Klopp points out, Ten Hag’s arrival was a breath of fresh air and that seems to have revitalised and motivated Rashford. Prior to the Dutchman’s appointment, his future at the club was very much in the balance.