Marcus Rashford is finally back to his best, bringing joy to Manchester United fans once again.
After a tough season where the striker seemed to lose his passion for the game, Rashford is rediscovering his form and focus.
Last season, the burden of poor form weighed heavily on Rashford. His performances dipped, and even the Old Trafford faithful started to grow frustrated.
Off the pitch, he seemed more interested in the glamorous lifestyle of a footballer than the sport itself.
However, his emotional reaction after Manchester United’s 2-1 FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City revealed just how much the club still means to him.
After a well-deserved summer break, Rashford is starting to resemble the player who scored a career-high 30 goals two seasons ago.
Manager Erik ten Hag never lost faith in Rashford, even though his patience was tested at times. He always believed in the player’s talent, and it has been on full display recently, with Rashford scoring in back-to-back matches against Southampton and Barnsley.
As Manchester United prepare for their upcoming Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, Ten Hag praised the 26-year-old for his mental strength and resilience.
“Every Premier League player, especially here at Manchester United, needs resilience,” Ten Hag said. “No football career is a straight path upwards. There will be setbacks, and Marcus has shown he knows how to fight through them. He’s taken control of his career and is on the way back.”
A key figure in Rashford’s resurgence is club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, now part of the coaching staff. Ten Hag acknowledged that the presence of the former United striker has helped Rashford refocus. “He probably needed a bit of support, and we made sure he got it,” Ten Hag explained.
Off-field issues
There’s no doubt Rashford’s off-field behavior last season contributed to his struggles. After a heavy 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, Rashford celebrated his birthday, which raised eyebrows. Then, he was spotted partying late into the night before an FA Cup fixture against Newport in January.
But those days appear to be behind him, with Rashford now laser-focused on his game. Ten Hag believes that this newfound dedication could earn him a place in the England squad again, having missed out on the recent Euros. “He will always be an option for any manager, but that decision is out of my hands,” said the United boss.
Despite some speculation on social media about Rashford’s low-key goal celebrations against Barnsley, it’s likely that he’s keeping a low profile while working to restore his reputation.
Ten Hag was in good spirits ahead of the Crystal Palace game, with a nearly full squad to choose from—something he didn’t have the luxury of last season due to injuries.
Injury returns
Both Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount are back in training and could feature in the match. Hojlund, 21, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since pre-season, while Mount, 25, has endured a stop-start first season with United after joining from Chelsea.
Mount, who cost the club up to £60 million, is eager to prove himself after a difficult start. Ten Hag is confident that he will come good. “We’ve already seen glimpses of what Mason can do,” he said. “What he needs now is time to train fully with the team and play regularly.”
With Rashford’s return to form and key players recovering from injury, Manchester United looks ready to turn the page on last season’s challenges and aim for a brighter future.
Leave a Reply