Ten Hag Defends Rashford After Criticism, Predicts Goals Will Flow Like Ketchup.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has come to the defence of Marcus Rashford, stating that the forward has faced “too much negativity” recently, but he believes the goals will soon come thick and fast. Rashford, 26, ended his goal drought by scoring in United’s 3-0 victory against Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday, netting his first goal in any competition since March.
The England international, who had previously faced criticism following United’s 3-0 Premier League loss to Liverpool just before the international break, found the back of the net with United’s second goal in the match, helping secure a comfortable win.
Rashford’s display in the Liverpool defeat was questioned by some, but Ten Hag felt the criticism was unwarranted. “It’s very important we don’t pay attention to what the outside world is saying, but there was too much negativity towards him,” said the Dutch manager. “He created two great chances in that game, and in other games this season, he has played very well.”
The Manchester United boss praised Rashford’s perseverance, adding that the goal against Southampton was well-earned. “He deserved that goal, but he had to work for it. That is what he is doing, and then you get a reward.”
Rashford, who has been with Manchester United for nearly a decade, has scored 132 goals for his boyhood club. Ten Hag is confident that there are many more to come, borrowing an analogy famously used by Cristiano Ronaldo. “Once a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle—once it’s going, it’s coming more,” Ten Hag said. “He’s already scored so many goals for Manchester United. At his age, the number of goals is amazing, and I’m sure he will score many more.”
As Rashford looks to regain his form, his manager remains steadfast in his belief that the goals will soon start flowing for the 26-year-old, just as they have in the past.
