Marcus Rashford's Comeback: Ten Hag Praises Striker's Renewed Lifestyle and Attitude

Marcus Rashford's Return to Form: Analyzing Erik ten Hag's Strategy

After a challenging season, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford is back in the spotlight as Erik ten Hag praises the player for reshaping his "lifestyle" and "attitude." Following a significant new contract during the summer of 2023, Rashford endured a rocky start to the 2023/24 campaign, impacted by personal issues.

Recent Performance Highlights

Rashford has made headlines with an impressive scoring streak, including a goal against Southampton and two goals along with an assist in a dominating 7-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley. These performances have provided a glimpse of his potential, as he aims to surpass last season's total of eight goals, needing merely six more to achieve this feat.

Ten Hag's Insights on Rashford's Journey

In a pre-match press conference ahead of the upcoming clash against Crystal Palace, Ten Hag voiced his belief that every player is aware that their off-the-field lifestyle affects on-pitch performance. In his words, "You don't get the right levels if you don't have a good and disciplined life away from Carrington." Ten Hag emphasized the need for players like Rashford to take responsibility for their professionalism.

Rashford's Commitment to Improvement

During the September international break, Rashford took proactive measures, sharing footage of private coaching sessions aimed at refining his skills and fitness. Ten Hag has acknowledged these efforts and insists that Rashford must maintain this momentum to cement his position as a key player for Manchester United.

Impacts on International Opportunities

Despite his recent performances, Rashford's international career has hit a snag, having not played for England since March 2023. With the looming Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland, the question arises: is Rashford making a strong enough case for selection?

Ten Hag's Encouragement for National Team Prospects

When queried about Rashford's potential recall to the national team, Ten Hag suggested that Rashford will always be a viable option for any national manager, depending on his performance trajectory and consistency.

Rashford’s Professionalism: A Necessity for Success

Sky Sports News analyst Melissa Reddy highlights that Ten Hag's comments regarding Rashford's discipline are not punitive but rather a reflection of the realities in professional football. Following several disciplinary lapses last season, it becomes evident that consistency in lifestyle choices is crucial for Rashford’s continued success.

Professional Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Ten Hag recalls that not every footballers' career is devoid of struggles. As he noted, “Not any football career has only ups; it also has downs. You have to deal with that.” Rashford has demonstrated resilience and the ability to bounce back, essential qualities for sustaining a successful career.

Future Outlook: Maintaining Momentum

The upcoming fixtures will serve as a significant test for Rashford and will be crucial in determining if he has indeed returned to peak form. United's fans hope for continued growth and evolution from the talented forward as he looks to regain his status as a key player within the squad.

Conclusion

With the right mindset and discipline, Rashford can not only enhance his contributions to Manchester United but also re-establish himself within the England national team. Encouraging signs are already apparent, and fans are eager to see how he continues to progress throughout the season.