Erik ten Hag has backed Marcus Rashford however mentioned the ahead should take some accountability for his fall-off in objectives after the England worldwide described months of criticism as “abuse” and mentioned “sufficient is sufficient”.
Rashford is enduring a disappointing campaign through which he has scored solely eight instances in 41 appearances for Manchester United, having managed a career-high 30 objectives final season. The supervisor was requested what lay behind the marked change.
“That’s an fascinating query,” he mentioned. “He is aware of, I do know. It has to do with himself but additionally to do in fact with the staff and within the first half of the season we had issues. Our attacking recreation has improved lots after the winter.”
Requested to make clear whether or not a private matter was an element, Ten Hag replied: “It’s all the time the 2 components I discussed – the staff and it’s himself. They’re associated to one another.”
At 12.36am on Friday Rashford retweeted a put up on X that mentioned: “The best way Marcus Rashford is being handled is totally disgusting. It’s merciless. It’s abuse.” Above this he wrote: “I recognize your help! It’s abuse and has been for months. Sufficient is sufficient.”
Ten Hag was requested about this. “I’ve a number of sympathy for Rashy,” he mentioned. “Final yr, the most effective season of his profession. This season he didn’t give the performances after which individuals are very crucial. Everybody ought to again him and push him to get again to the degrees he was finally yr. All of us should help but additionally push him.”
Rashford’s off-the-ball contribution has been questioned. “When he isn’t doing the best stuff out of possession I’ll confront him – give arguments and likewise we use knowledge,” Ten Hag mentioned.
He wouldn’t be drawn on whether or not Rashford had been spoken to about this. “That’s an inner matter,” he mentioned.
Ten Hag has needed to take care of greater than 60 accidents and diseases to gamers. United are sixth, 24 factors behind the leaders, Arsenal. He was requested whether or not with a much less depleted squad subsequent season United could possibly be title challengers.
“This yr we stand nonetheless however when everybody is on the market positively we’re competing for the highest 4,” he mentioned. “Though I’ve to say it isn’t any extra only a two- or three-horse race – there may be [Aston] Villa, Spurs, Newcastle; Chelsea don’t neglect them. They’re all competing for the highest 4 and we’re one [too] however at this second we aren’t within the place to compete for No 1 or No 2. That’s reality. However we will come nearer if we make an excellent window.”
Mason Mount is on the market for Saturday’s go to of Burnley after harm. Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial and Lisandro Martínez are anticipated to get better from their respective issues earlier than the season’s finish.
