Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has issued a challenge to Marcus Rashford, urging him to take inspiration from the likes of Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay in his quest to regain his place in the team.
Rashford’s performance has come under scrutiny this season, having scored only two goals in 19 club games. As a result, he was dropped from the starting lineup for the recent victory over Chelsea. Despite facing criticism from a minority of fans, Rashford received support from others who chanted his name during the game.
In a bid to motivate Rashford, Ten Hag highlighted the success of Maguire and McTominay. Both players faced challenges during their time at United but managed to overcome them. West Ham United even made separate £30 million offers for McTominay and Maguire during the summer transfer window. Although the bid for McTominay was rejected, United accepted the offer for Maguire, only for the deal to collapse due to the player’s refusal to accept a £6 million pay-off to compensate for a salary shortfall.
Despite these setbacks, Maguire has played in the starting lineup for the last 12 United games and was named the Premier League Player of the Month for November. Meanwhile, McTominay is currently United’s top scorer, having netted six goals, including both goals in the win over Chelsea.
“Rashford is an incredible player,” Ten Hag emphasized. “However, it’s impossible for him to play every game. He’s not currently in the same form as last year, but I have no doubt that he will bounce back.”
Ten Hag emphasized that the team will always select the best players who form the strongest lineup. He pointed out that internal competition within the squad is essential for a successful season. “To have a successful season, you need more than just 11 players,” he explained. “There has to be dedication and a strong desire from every player to be part of the best team.”
Manchester United’s recent victory over Chelsea has brought them within three points of rivals Manchester City, placing them level on points with Tottenham. Ten Hag, who was awarded the Manager of the Month for November, recognized the unpredictable nature of this season’s Premier League.
As Bournemouth prepares to face United at Old Trafford, Ten Hag acknowledged the team’s resilience in overcoming setbacks earlier in the season due to injuries and other challenges. He expressed confidence in the team’s progress, highlighting the improvement in both individual performances and overall team cohesion.
However, Ten Hag also cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the competitiveness of the league and the need for vigilance in every game. “In this league, everyone can beat everyone,” he warned. “We need to be prepared and on top of our game for each match.”
Erik ten Hag’s advice to Marcus Rashford serves as a reminder that setbacks can be overcome, and success can be achieved through dedication, determination, and hard work. As Rashford aims to regain his form and secure his place in the starting lineup, he can draw inspiration from the journeys of Maguire and McTominay.
