Man United manager Erik ten Hag has thrown his support behind Marcus Rashford amid a slump in form for both the star and the club.
After scoring 30 goals across all comps in 2022/23, many expected Rashford to hit the ground running this season. However, this has not been the case. The England international has only found the net once so far from nine appearances.
But this worrying form to start 2023/24 will be just a blip for Marcus Rashford, according to his manager.
“Of course, everyone knows the qualities of him,” said Ten Hag in Friday’s press conference. “But if Rashy is doing things right and the team is doing things right, we will put him in the right places. Then it is up to him.
“We have seen in the last few weeks that he is coming in the good positions. Now he is struggling, but this will pass because everyone knows his qualities. Everyone at Man United supports him and the whole team is supportive of him, believes in him.
“So I am sure, with that confidence and belief, that the team is behind him. This will change and it will pass.”
Coinciding with Rashford’s lacklustre spell is a difficult run for United.
Marcus Rashford and Man United: struggling for form
Since the start of September, the Red Devils have claimed just two wins from seven matches; a 1-0 PL win away at Burnley and a 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace.
Additionally, Erik ten Hag’s side have lost their opening two Champions League games for the first time ever. In particular, the 3-2 loss at home to Galatasaray called into question the manager’s philosophy.
Manchester United are also under pressure domestically. After taking a measly nine points from seven games, this is their worst start to a league season since 1989/90.
So, what seems to be going wrong at Old Trafford? Ten Hag identified one issue within his team’s play.
“Consistency,” he said, via BBC Sport. “That is the problem we are struggling with. In parts of the games, in big parts, we do a lot of things right. But we have moments where we struggle and in such moments we can’t survive.
“We need to do the right things, be consistent, and do it like before, so definitely you can mark such a moment like when we score or concede a goal. We have to step up.”
Both United and Rashford have a chance to turn around their fortunes against Brentford this weekend.
Manchester United v Brentford
Saturday’s clash at Old Trafford is one in which the Red Devils have a good record. They have won three out of four matches against Brentford in the Premier League. The only exception? The Bees’ 4-0 demolition of Erik ten Hag’s men in 2022.
Still, United have not lost at home to the London side (in the Premier League) and will be keen to return to winning ways.
Could this game also be a catalyst for Marcus Rashford to find some form? The forward has enjoyed playing Brentford in the past, netting twice in three appearances against this opponent. One goal may also be all Rashford needs to get back on track.
“Strikers, when they don’t score for a moment, they need that one goal,” added Ten Hag. “It will come and he is so experienced, he knows that as well. When he is doing the right things and the team is doing the right things, that momentum will come and he will be on fire.”
Featured image credit: Getty
