Manchester United’s season has been disappointing thus far, marked by a series of underwhelming performances. A major reason for the poor season they are having is the underperformance of certain players, such as Marcus Rashford, and new summer signing Rasmus Hojlund.
The winger was one of the best players in the Premier League last season, and his high goal scoring helped his side win so many games. However, this season, Rashford does not seem to be at the same level, which has cost them so many times. And manager Erik ten Hag has explained what needs to be done.
Erik ten Hag talks on Marcus Rashford’s poor form
Marcus Rashford has experienced a concerning decline in form, as his goal tally has dropped significantly from 30 last season to just two this season. When asked, Manager Ten Hag highlights the importance of tailored strategies for him, recognizing that certain players respond better to a supportive arm around the shoulder while others require a harsher “kick in the a***”.
“And then I think that makes a difference in the management, so when are you taking which approach? The kick in the a*** or arm around the shoulder?”
🔴 Does Marcus Rashford need an arm around the shoulder or a kick up the backside?
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 17, 2023
“For almost any player, sometimes it’s an arm around the shoulder, sometimes a kick in the a**!”, says Ten Hag.
“It can make a difference in the management which approach you are taking”. pic.twitter.com/8OxPioNqb2
Manchester United are currently struggling to make any meaningful progress on the pitch, languishing in the 7th position, and have been knocked out of Europe, finishing last in their Champions League group. While there are many reasons, one of them is that many players are not living up to their previous forms.
Marcus Rashford’s goal scoring stats this season
Marcus Rashford doesn’t have good stats this season, and it is a bit concerning to watch that. He has played 20 games across all competitions but has only six goal contributions to show for. Of those, compared to the 17 goals he scored in the league last season, he only has 2 goals this season so far.
He has two assists in both the league and the Champions League, but has not managed to score in the latter one. Aside from statistics, the winger has not shown the same energy and work rate as last season. He seems to be demotivated and does not want to run back or help the team much.
Erik ten Hag will hope that Rashford gets back to his best form soon, as they face league leaders Liverpool at Anfield tonight. The Dutchman needs to choose quickly which approach he will take to make sure that happens.
