Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 13, 2024 3:17 am GMT
The atmosphere surrounding Manchester United’s star forward, Marcus Rashford, has shifted dramatically after his impressive resurgence on the field. Following a string of impressive performances, manager Erik ten Hag recently addressed both Rashford’s return to form and his status as a substitute during the team’s match against Crystal Palace.
Rashford’s Recent Performance Surge
Erik ten Hag has praised Rashford for overcoming challenges that plagued his previous season. Earlier this month, Rashford scored three goals in just two games, displaying the talent that made him a crucial part of the team in prior years.
- Goals Scored: 3 (against Southampton and Barnsley)
- Total Assists: 1
- Recent Matches:
– Goal against Southampton.
– Two goals and an assist in a 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.
Remarkably, Ten Hag noted that Rashford’s off-field lifestyle and attitude had previously hindered his performance. “When your lifestyle is not right, you can’t perform as you should,” he explained in a press conference. Rashford appears to be finding his form again after working diligently to improve his discipline both on and off the pitch.
The Bench Decision Explained
As the team prepares for tightly packed matches, including a Europa League clash against FC Twente, Ten Hag decided to name Rashford as a substitute against Crystal Palace. Instead, he opted for Alejandro Garnacho, who has been showing tremendous promise with his own recent performances.
- Reasons for Rotation:
– Multiple upcoming fixtures increase the need for squad rotation.
– Garnacho’s excellent form warrants a starting position.
Ten Hag acknowledged that fostering player development is crucial. ”It’s not a difficult decision because we have to rotate,” he said. “We have so many games to cover, and Alejandro needs starts to get better and to get more powerful.”
Caption: Marcus Rashford is regaining his form after overcoming challenges last season.
Ten Hag’s Support and Rashford’s Path Forward
The manager emphasized the importance of a structured lifestyle, suggesting that self-discipline is vital for Rashford’s success. “He knows when there are setbacks how to fight back and set his career and performance,” Ten Hag commented. The manager also praised Rashford’s private coaching sessions during the international break, highlighting the player’s commitment to improvement.
- Key Takeaways from Ten Hag:
– Professionalism is crucial for performance.
- Rashford’s progress is promising but should be consistent.
Rashford’s work ethic and desire to improve signal his dedication, and Ten Hag believes this will enhance not just individual performance but contribute positively to the overall team dynamic.
Challenges Ahead
The upcoming fixtures will prove more challenging, testing Rashford’s potential return to top form. Ten Hag has praised the player’s ability to score early in the season as crucial for the team’s morale. “It’s very good when your strikers start to score early in the season; they need that belief,” he stated.
However, there’s no denying that higher-pressure matches against tougher opponents await. For Rashford, the coming weeks will determine whether he can sustain this upward trajectory or if he will falter again.
The Bigger Picture for Rashford
Despite his recent resurgence, the road ahead for Rashford is not just about club performance. His form has implications for national team selections as well. Having missed out on the Euro 2024 team, he is striving to regain his spot on the England roster.
- Rashford’s International Status:
– Last played for England on March 23 against Brazil.
– Not included in the recent Euro 2024 squad.
With continued strong performances, Ten Hag believes Rashford will remain a viable option for national team managers in future matches. “He will always be an option for every manager,” he affirmed.
Conclusion
This season, Marcus Rashford has shown how important it is to be strong and take responsibility in sports. With the support of his coach, Erik ten Hag, Rashford has some tough games coming up that could help him become a key player for Manchester United. The next few weeks will be very important for him and the whole team as they work through their busy schedule. Rashford is starting to feel more confident, and that means he might be ready to play really well soon!
