Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has offered insights into Marcus Rashford’s dip in form this season, emphasizing the need for both the player and the team to take responsibility for the situation.
Rashford, who has faced criticism from sections of United‘s fan base, has scored just eight goals in all competitions this campaign, a stark contrast to his tally of 30 goals in the previous season.
Ten Hag acknowledged the complexities behind Rashford’s struggles, attributing them to both individual performance and team dynamics. While acknowledging improvements in United’s attacking play post-winter, he stressed that earlier in the season, their offensive efforts were subpar.
Responding to criticism leveled at Rashford, particularly regarding his perceived lack of effort, Ten Hag asserted that he would address such concerns directly with the player, supported by data analysis. However, he declined to reveal whether he had already initiated such discussions, deeming it an internal matter.
Rashford’s absence due to injury further compounds United’s challenges as they aim to secure European qualification in their remaining Premier League fixtures. Ten Hag, whose managerial future at the club remains uncertain, emphasized the need for squad reinforcement in the upcoming transfer window to bolster their competitiveness.
Acknowledging United’s current inability to challenge for the top spots in the league, Ten Hag expressed confidence that with a strengthened squad, they could close the gap. He stressed the importance of investing in quality players, particularly in key positions, and enhancing squad depth to address the lessons learned from the current campaign.
As United seeks to navigate through a disappointing season and position themselves for future success, Ten Hag’s call for strategic recruitment underscores the club’s imperative to regroup and rebuild.