Is Marcus Rashford regressing? Man Utd star 'knows he can do better' as Erik ten Hag reflects on run of one goal in eight appearances

Posted Monday, October 02, 2023 by Goal.com

Marcus Rashford "knows he can do better", says Erik ten Hag, with the Manchester United forward hitting just one goal in eight appearances.

WHAT HAPPENED?
The England international enjoyed a career-best season in 2022-23, with a 30-goal return suggesting that he had rediscovered a lost spark. Rashford was considered to sit among the global elite once more, with a new five-year contract earned at Old Trafford.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
His only effort of the current campaign came in a 3-1 defeat at Arsenal, with the 25-yard having also drawn a blank through two appearances for England against Ukraine and Scotland. He has looked a little rusty at times, with the ball being lost on a regular basis, and there are fears that he may be regressing again.

WHAT THEY SAID
Ten Hag is not overly concerned just yet, with Rashford being backed to come good, but the United boss does admit that a supposed superstar in his squad needs to start offering more to the cause. The Dutchman has said: "I think he knows he can do better than he does now and I am sure it will come. He works hard and that is what he is doing. He will net, he will finish and it will come but it is not going to be automatic. He has to invest a lot, the team has to invest a lot around him."

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
There were audible groans in the stands when Rashford surrendered possession during a shock 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, with it now up to him to deliver a reversal in personal and collective fortune – starting at home to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday.