Erik ten Hag is adamant that Marcus Rashford will flourish once he finds the net and doesn’t feel the Manchester United star has a confidence issue.
The Red Devils frontman is looking to rediscover his best form after a poor campaign last time out, where he often looked bereft of confidence. Rashford went from his first 30-goal campaign to scoring eight times and his struggles in front of goal continued in the Community Shield.
Rashford found himself one-on-one with Ederson late in the contest but his effort came cannoning off the post, leaving the England forward with his head in his hands.
Ten Hag dismissed fears of confidence and was confident the goals would eventually start flowing: “No. He was several times in good positions, very pleased he is getting in there, he will keep making those moments, he will score goals. He is experienced enough to deal with this, once he scores one the goals will come.”
Rashford’s spot in the front three is by no means guaranteed under Ten Hag, especially after the signing of Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman will be pushing for involvement from the start whilst Jadon Sancho too is back in contention after his loan spell away last term.
Rasmus Hojlund commanded the No.9 role last term, but will spend several months on the sideline. Alejandro Garnacho has continued to be a bright spark whilst Amad Diallo is also back in Manchester and is hoping to establish himself at Old Trafford
Prior to the Community Shield Ten Hag had talked up Rashford’s pre-season and backed him to return to his best. “We know the truth. He is working very hard, very good, very engaged, very ambitious and motivated to make a good season,” he said.
United had beaten City in their last meeting just months ago as they upset the odds to claim the FA Cup. That covered up for an eighth place finish in the Premier League and Ten Hag is confident they can mix it with the best if they have a fully fit squad.
He said: “We worked and we had a competitive team. That is the responsibility for all of us. It is from players in the first place to be available and then for the staff to work with them, to support them, make them fit and keep them fit. When players are available we have a very good team.”
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