Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed confidence in Marcus Rashford’s ability to rediscover his best form as the club prepares for the upcoming season.
Despite a difficult campaign last year, where Rashford managed only eight goals in 43 appearances, Ten Hag believes the England winger is “very ambitious and motivated” to bounce back.
Rashford, who had been linked with a move to Paris St Germain, impressed Ten Hag during United’s pre-season tour in the United States.
“We’ve all seen on the tour he’s very lively,” said the Dutchman, whose side faces Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday. “He’s in very good shape already, and we expect a lot from him this season.”
Last summer, Rashford signed a new long-term contract with United, keeping him at the club until 2028.
However, his future became uncertain after a mid-season slump and a disciplinary incident involving a trip to a nightclub in Belfast in January.
The winger also took a break from social media due to rising criticism, which he described as “abuse.”
When asked about Rashford’s dip in form, which led to his exclusion from England’s Euro 2024 squad, Ten Hag attributed it to a combination of individual and team-related factors.
“There are so many reasons, you can list them, I think. There can be part individual reasons and definitely club, team, and many reasons why a player is performing or not,” he said.
As United prepares for the season opener against Fulham next Friday, Ten Hag faces significant injury concerns. Key defenders Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all doubtful for the Community Shield clash.
Additionally, new signing Leny Yoro is sidelined for three months with a foot injury, and striker Rasmus Hojlund is out for six weeks due to a hamstring injury.
Ten Hag remains focused on long-term goals, emphasizing the importance of player welfare over immediate results.
“We know already we can beat City, and it’s not dependent on the result on Saturday,” he said, referring to United’s FA Cup triumph over City in May. “But we don’t want to take risks with players and lose them for a long period.”
United’s recent injury struggles have been a cause for concern, and Ten Hag is determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s issues.
“We’ll try to get results this season, but the players have to be available,” he added.
