"He is capable" - Erik ten Hag heaps praise on Manchester United star who struggled last season
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has backed Marcus Rashford to bounce back after a poor 2023-24 season. He believes the Englishman can get back to scoring goals and prove himself.
Rashford scored 30 goals and provided 10 assists in 56 games across competitions in the 2022-23 season. However, his form took a massive dip last season as he could manage just eight goals and five assists in 43 games. His overall performances were also disappointing more often than not.
However, manager Ten Hag believes Rashford can find his form and Ruud van Nistelrooy can help him with it. The latter joined Ten Hag's coaching staff at Manchester United earlier this summer. The Dutch manager said (via Stretty News):
“The reason Ruud is here is clear, he can help the strikers, but he is much more than this. With Rashford he can only prove himself.
"He 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 few years ago.”
Rashford, 26, has come through Manchester United's academy and has made 402 senior appearances for the club, scoring 131 goals and providing 66 assists.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag on more potential signings this summer
The Red Devils have signed two players so far in the ongoing summer transfer window. They brought in striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for a reported fee of €42.5 million and centre-back Leny Yoro from Lille for €62 million plus add-ons.
In a recent press conference, Erik ten Hag was asked if they're looking to make more signings, especially in the centre-back position. He said (via manutd.com):
“I think we are occupied [in that position] but we work continually. I think the good thing is we already signed two players but I think it belongs to a club as Manchester United that you are always looking if the opportunity is there for better. And we still have time until 31 August.”
Manchester United have also seen a few departures with Mason Greenwood (Marseille), Willy Kambwala (Villarreal), and Donny van de Beek (Girona) leaving. The likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro have also been linked with a move away.
In terms of pre-season, they lost their first game 1-0 against Norwegian side Rosenborg but then beat Rangers 2-0. They will next take on Arsenal on Saturday, July 27.