Erik ten Hag has backed Marcus Rashford however stated the ahead should take some duty for his fall-off in targets after the England worldwide described months of criticism as “abuse” and stated “sufficient is sufficient”.
Rashford is enduring a disappointing marketing campaign wherein he has scored solely eight occasions in 41 appearances for Manchester United, having managed a career-high 30 targets final season. The supervisor was requested what lay behind the marked change.
“That’s an fascinating query,” he stated. “He is aware of, I do know. It has to do with himself but additionally to do after all with the group and within the first half of the season we had issues. Our attacking sport has improved lots after the winter.”
Requested to make clear whether or not a private matter was an element, Ten Hag replied: “It’s at all times the 2 elements I discussed – the group and it’s himself. They’re associated to one another.”
At 12.36am on Friday Rashford retweeted a publish on X that stated: “The way in which Marcus Rashford is being handled is completely disgusting. It’s merciless. It’s abuse.” Above this he wrote: “I admire your assist! It’s abuse and has been for months. Sufficient is sufficient.”
Ten Hag was requested about this. “I’ve a whole lot of sympathy for Rashy,” he stated. “Final yr, the most effective season of his profession. This season he didn’t give the performances after which individuals are very vital. Everybody ought to again him and push him to get again to the degrees he was eventually yr. All of us need to assist but additionally push him.”
Rashford’s off-the-ball contribution has been questioned. “When he’s not doing the appropriate stuff out of possession I’ll confront him – give arguments and in addition we use knowledge,” Ten Hag stated.
He wouldn’t be drawn on whether or not Rashford had been spoken to about this. “That’s an inner matter,” he stated.
Ten Hag has needed to cope with greater than 60 accidents and sicknesses 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 might be title challengers.
“This yr we stand nonetheless however when everybody is offered positively we’re competing for the highest 4,” he stated. “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’re not within the place to compete for No 1 or No 2. That’s truth. However we will come nearer if we make a very good window.”
Mason Mount is offered 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.
