- Marcus Rashford had a difficult 2023-24 season, scoring just eight goals
- The striker’s difficult season on the field was accompanied by problems off the field
- Get the latest Premier League news direct to your phone with Mail Sport’s new whatsapp channel
Erik ten Hag has praised Marcus Rashford for his ‘commitment, ambition and motivation’ which has seen him put last season’s poor performances behind him and backed him to turn the tide with today’s Community Shield at Wembley.
Rashford scored 30 goals in Ten Hag’s first season at the club and was rewarded with a new £300,000-a-week contract.
But the 26-year-old struggled so much last season, both on and off the pitch, that he was skipped by England for the 2024 European Championship.
However, Ten Hag is pleased with what he has seen from Rashford during pre-season and feels he has the gleam in his eye to right the wrongs of last season, when he scored just eight goals.
“Rashy, we all saw on tour that he was very lively and already in very good shape,” said Ten Hag.
Erik ten Hag claims Marcus Rashford is ready to right the wrongs of last season
Rashford has had a disappointing season as a dip in form was accompanied by off-field issues
“We expect a lot from the entire team this season.”
When asked how Rashford felt about it and whether he still suffered from off-field issues following the tumultuous period following a tequila party in Belfast last season, Ten Hag dismissed the idea.
“There are so many suggestions around Manchester United,” he said, “We know the truth. He works very hard, he is very good, very committed, very ambitious and motivated to have a good season.”
Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy arrived this summer as one of Ten Hag’s new assistant managers and the hope is that he can get Rashford back on top form.
The 26-year-old is expected to start on the left of United’s attack today against Manchester City, while Jadon Sancho is deployed in the centre as Rasmus Hojlund remains sidelined.
Summer player Joshua Zirkzee has only had three training sessions with his team-mates but has travelled to Wembley and is in with a chance of action.
Rashford scored just eight league goals and missed out on England’s squad for Euro 2024
Ten Hag stressed that the attacker is ‘committed, ambitious and motivated’ for the new season
After a season in which Rashford was scrutinised both on and off the pitch, he has been working hard to get his mind in order over the summer, recently revealing how puzzles help him focus.
“I think I do that mainly when I’m in season and do puzzles and little games to keep myself active,” Rashford said during the United States tour.
‘I have a few waiting for me at home, so I’ll get to work on them when I get back. I tried a 3D one. It’s hard. It’s heavy. It takes longer.
‘Besides, when my dog interrupts me and starts eating bits, I just get more frustrated!’
‘I only did one in 3D. Most of them were a thousand pieces. I think it was a car. Like I said, it was hard. I almost gave up. But it was my mother, actually… she said if I don’t finish it, I’m defeated, so I had to finish it… in about three weeks!’
