How Ten Hag could FINALLY be solving Sancho and Rashford issue at Man Utd

Updated: 4 Aug 2024 18:09 BST
4 min read

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Erik ten Hag, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Manchester United are set to go into the new season with more of the same problems, however Erik ten Hag appears to have learned from previous mistakes with two of his star men.

Article continues under the video

United will face off against Manchester City in the Community Shield next week without a recognised striker after Rasmus Hojlund picked up a hamstring injury, while new signing Joshua Zirkzee is still building match fitness.

Ten Hag has indicated that Jadon Sancho, available for selection again after his loan to Dortmund, could be used as a striker, having played in the role during United’s pre-season game against Liverpool.

LISTEN NOW: The Transfers Podcast - Ten Hag's fitness test, Man Utd's new midfield, Staveley targets Tottenham & Arteta's City strategy

The decision to turn to Sancho as United’s third-choice striker may raise eyebrows to some, given the presence of Marcus Rashford in the squad, however Ten Hag has insisted he would rather let the forward thrive in his preferred left-wing role.

"There is also, of course, Jadon, as a striker. We know he can play in wide areas, but also as a false striker, he's an option,” Ten Hag said. “Marcus has done it [played as a striker] before and he can do it, and it's definitely an option.

"But I think he is most productive from the left, starting wide and coming inside. So when he can arrive there, he is most effective. We have other options. We have Bruno Fernandes who can play as a striker as well."

© IMAGO - Marcus Rashford and Erik ten Hag struggled to see eye-to-eye last season.

How Sancho and Rashford’s new roles will make or break their Man Utd careers

Getting the best out of Rashford this season will undoubtedly be the difference maker for the fortunes of Ten Hag and United, having seen the 26-year-old score just seven Premier League goals last season.

STATS

43

Games
8

Goals
5

Assists

The England international was often used as a backup striker when Hojlund was injured last season, despite Rashford bringing a significantly different playstyle to his teammate, leading to inconsistent displays and poor cohesion in attack for United.

Although Rashford began his career as a striker, he was soon moved to the left wing, where he has enjoyed a more fruitful output, with 32 goal contributions in his last 60 games out wide compared to two goals in his ten appearances up front last year.

Allowing Rashford to have a defined role as a specialist inside forward could be the catalyst for Ten Hag to get the best out of the club icon.

Giving Sancho an opportunity as a number nine could also give the 24-year-old a more useful role in the team, having struggled to impress on the wing since signing in 2021.

STATS

24

Games
3

Goals
2

Assists

Ten Hag’s understanding of his squad’s strengths will only benefit United, even if there are teething problems to start the season due to injuries, with both Rashford and Sancho needing to thrive in their new roles to save their careers at Old Trafford.