Erik ten Hag addresses criticism of Marcus Rashford and puts forward a question on motivation for Manchester United’s struggling forward

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, aged 26, faced criticism after being benched in a recent match against Chelsea, which ended in a disappointing loss.

Ten Hag Covers Marcus Rashford After Criticisms
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Rashford, aged 26, experienced being benched for Thursday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea, a game in which Manchester United surrendered a 3-2 lead, conceding two late stoppage-time goals. There were concerns raised on social media regarding Rashford’s perceived lack of pressing during the match, despite his late appearance on the field.

However, following the loss, Ten Hag promptly dismissed any doubts about Rashford’s commitment, explaining his absence from the starting line-up as part of a strategic plan to keep him fresh for the upcoming busy schedule. The Dutch manager reiterated Rashford’s determination to succeed with the club amid their pursuit of a European spot and the FA Cup trophy in what has been a disappointing campaign by their standards.

Addressing reporters, Ten Hag stated, “I think lately his form is progressing and so the time will always be right. I think he has a big motivation because he wants to be successful with us. He wants to score goals but he wants to win trophies and contribute and we still have a chance in the FA Cup. He wants to fight for a Champions League spot and the Euros are coming so I will say his motivation should be high. And the form, that is a moment and he can change the momentum always. Before Brentford, he scored three goals in three games.”

Manchester United currently occupies sixth place in the Premier League standings, trailing fourth-placed Aston Villa by 11 points with eight matches remaining. As they endeavor to regain momentum and push for European qualification, Rashford’s resilience and form will be pivotal for United’s success, starting with the crucial fixture against Liverpool on Sunday.

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford

Forwarder, Midfielder

EnglandEngland

Age: 27

185 cm

70 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 5 1 Missed
Minutes 464 92.8 Avg
Goals 1 0.2 Avg
Assist 1 0.2 Avg
Attempt 13 2.6 Avg
Passes 163 32.684.4% AvgSucc
Yellow 0 0.0 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 29 times for 2100 minutes for Premier League.

Marcus Rashford scored 7 goals for Manchester United. He procured two assists. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 6th in Premier League. In the last match Manchester United lost 4-3 against Chelsea. The next match in Premier League will be against Liverpool.

Manchester United performance and stats

Manchester United

Manager: Erik ten Hag
Rank 8th
Win 16
Draw 6
Loss 14
Goals 52-56
Diff -4
Rank 4th
Win 1
Draw 1
Loss 4
Goals 12-15
Diff -3

Manchester United is currently 6th in the Premier League with 48 points.

In the last 30 games, it has won 15 times, drawn 3 times, and lost 12 times. In its last match, Manchester United lost 4-3 against Chelsea.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 43 goals and conceding 44.​

Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against Liverpool on Sunday 7th of April in Manchester. The prediction is Liverpool winning the match.​