Erik ten Hag is optimistic that Marcus Rashford will soon rediscover his best form for Manchester United and replicate his goalscoring feats again when he hit the 30-goal mark in Ten Hag\u2019s first season but dropped to a dismal eight last term after signing a new \u00a3300,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford.<\/p>\n
However, United would still be open to offers for the 26-year-old if a big bid were to come in this summer, although it\u2019s unlikely that Rashford will leave his hometown club.<\/p>\n
Ten Hag is currently more focussed on getting the best out of the England forward \u2013 one wonders why he didn\u2019t set his sights on this last campaign \u2013 who missed out on a place in the Euro 2024 squad after his way-below-par season.<\/p>\n
To assist in that purpose, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been brought in as assistant manager, and Ten Hag is chirpy that his Dutch compatriot can get the best out of Rashford.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reason Ruud is here is clear, he can help the strikers, but he is much more than this,\u201d he said. \u201cWith Rashford he can only prove himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is capable, he scores so many goals, already at a relatively young age, he is capable of it. So I am confident, 100 per cent belief, he can do the same as two years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
Apart from Rashford, Mason Mount also struggled for form and fitness after making a \u00a360m move from Chelsea.<\/p>\n
Ten Hag, never one at a loss for words, added: \u201cYou can\u2019t judge a season because he was injured. So don’t judge him because he was injured, but when he is fit he will be a very good player.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn a squad you need certain types, you need team players. He is one of the players and I’m sure he will help the team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ten Hag was also asked about Jadon Sancho, who has returned to training after a fall-out with his manager and loan move to Borussia Dortmund, and Antony who struggled last season amid off-the-field allegations of abuse.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor every individual, it’s different,\u201d said the manager. \u201cNo-one has the same background but it’s clear we want to win and both of them are very good players.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ten Hag stressed that he wants to draw a line under the uncertainty surrounding his future this summer, after co-owners Ineos interviewed a number of potential replacements before handing him a one-year contract extension.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are now in a new season,\u201d he said. \u201cWe left everything behind, we are looking forward. It’s a great project. The process is nice. We go with ups and downs and now we are very energised. There is a good dynamic, a good spirit and we are looking forward. We want to work and we want to win.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never think if I’m in a strong position or weak position. When you take over a dressing-room that didn’t win a trophy in six years you have to improve. But I don’t think I am strong or weak. I want to collaborate. I can’t do this on my own. I’m sure we will have even more success.\u201d<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s just hope for United\u2019s sake that he\u2019s better able to fit into the suit of humility this season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"