Marcus Rashford did not start in any of the last three Manchester United matches and Erik ten Hag’s side travel to West Ham this afternoon.
In his pre-match press conference, the manager reiterated his support for Rashford and challenged the forward to ‘be better’ as he fights to win his starting role back in the team.
“He was ill last week, so that’s why he didn’t start against Bayern Munich and also why he didn’t start against Liverpool,” Ten Hag told reporters, as per the Manchester Evening News. “Also, I must say that Garnacho is doing very good in the last month, so there’s internal competition.
“I’m always very supportive of players and I know, especially front players, they need more trust and support from a manager.
“I have a strong belief in Hojlund and in Rashford that they are capable of scoring a lot of goals. Rashford, last year under me, proved he can score many goals when he’s at his best—he will score many goals.
“I have a similar feeling and opinion about Hojlund, because he has shown in the Champions League, at the highest level, that he’s scoring goals. We have to work as a group, as a team, on our attacking game, but they are capable of scoring a lot of goals.”
With Rashford missing a spot in the line-up recently, mostly due to illness, it has allowed Alejandro Garnacho to shine in his absence. This can only be a good thing for the squad as it creates more competition but it remains to be seen how the England international will react if he is left on the bench for a longer duration.
There’s also a lot of games coming up and Ten Hag will be expected to rotate.
On a further note, it’s not like we’re attacking well from either flank, so there might be a time when we see the front three switched up.
Rashford’s form has been a concern for United all season since he has been unable to replicate his goals (30) from last season. The 26-year-old has been backed by Ten Hag to turn things around, which we can only hope happens during the second half of the season.
Ten Hag was also asked if he had seen the right response from Rashford in training to get his place back in the team. The Dutchman added: “He’s training well. It can always be better, but I think he’s such an experienced player.
“He’s mid-20s, but he’s a very experienced player, and he knows how top football works.
“He knows he has to take the responsibility and I’m sure he will do that and he will line up himself.”
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
