Marcus Rashford has enjoyed a revival since the arrival of Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager. The previous campaign was not one to remember for the Englishman as he appeared to take major steps back in his development. Many fans even questioned whether it was time to part ways if the right offer came in.
This time around, the picture has been quite different. Rashford was one of Manchester United’s best performers, before his recent injury. And hopefully, he will pick up right where he left off, when he does return to action, hopefully very soon.
According to stats from Transfermarkt, Rashford has scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists in 6 appearances this season till now.
Ten Hag deserves a lot of credit for getting the best out of the Englishman once again and the secret behind the upturn appears to be the fact that he is enjoying his football again. As reported by Metro, the Dutch manager told Sky Sports:
"‘I told him on day one, I want to see you smiling every day. We said that we would prepare the training sessions and then it’s up to you to love the training and give your best because when you feel pressure in training and enjoy it you will give your best.‘If you give your best you will improve and you will perform on the pitch. Then life is easy and your performance will go up.’"
Manchester United: Ten Hag reveals what he told Rashford on day one
It is safe to say that Ten Hag’s advice is working and the Englishman seems to be back to his best, making a difference for Manchester United up the pitch.
He has been so good that it appears that he has jumped ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in Ten Hag’s pecking order and is now the first choice striker, while the Portuguese superstar has been reduced to a bench role.
Thus, it should not come as a surprise if Ronaldo tries to leave the club in January. At the same time though, Rashford needs to make sure that he is able to keep up this form. Consistency has been a big issue for him over the years. If he can produce the goods consistently, he will be one of the best in the Premier League.