Ten Hag makes startling Rashford admission amid Man Utd star’s poor form

Jacque Talbot

• 6 Oct 2023 18:55 BST
• 3 min read

Erik ten Hag has admitted that Marcus Rashford is ‘struggling’ following Manchester United’s recent slump in form.

It was revealed that the England international’s place in the starting XI was under threat by the Mirror earlier this week, and that he may even be dropped for the club’s match against Brentford. One of Ten Hag’s coaching staff had told of worries over the player’s body language and general output in recent games.

Rashford enjoyed what was arguably his best-ever season for Man Utd last term, netting 30 goals in all competitions. But he was substituted off during Tuesday's 3-2 defeat at home to Galatasaray in the Champions League, the second game in a row that this has happened.

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Rashford's dwindling form

Ten Hag was asked about the situation involving Rashford ahead of his side’s clash with the Bees. He told reporters:"There is the team and of course, him, and there is both.

"It's normal that you are not always right in the same levels and of course, everyone knows the qualities of him and the opposition knows the qualities. If Rashy does the things right and the team is doing the thing right and put him in the right places, it's up to him, we have seen in the last weeks he is coming in good positions.

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The Dutchman continued: "Now, he is a little bit struggling but it will pass because everyone knows the qualities. Everyone at Man United backs him, the whole team supports him and believes in him, so I am sure with that confidence and belief with the team behind him this will change and this will pass.

"Strikers, when they don't score for a moment, they need one goal and then they step over. It will come, he is so experienced and he knows that as well. When he is doing the right things and the team is doing the right things, the momentum will come and he will be on fire."

It has been noted that Ten Hag’s win percentage has dropped significantly from their League Cup win over Newcastle last February, going from 69 per cent to 50 since their 2-0 win at Wembley.