Marcus Rashford Returns to Form: Ten Hag Reviews His Progress and Attitude

Marcus Rashford's Remarkable Return to Form at Manchester United

Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, recently praised Marcus Rashford for returning to his best form after addressing his "lifestyle" and "attitude." This commendation comes after a challenging previous season for the 26-year-old forward, who had signed an impressive contract extension in the summer of 2023.

Challenges Faced by Rashford in the 2023/24 Season

Throughout the early parts of the 2023/24 campaign, Rashford struggled with various off-pitch issues, which affected his on-field performance. However, he seems to have turned the corner with a notable upsurge in form, including a goal against Southampton and two goals alongside an assist in Manchester United's dominant 7-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley.

Rashford's Involvement in His Own Revival

After experiencing a dip in performance levels, Rashford took proactive steps to work on his game. During the international break in September, he shared clips of his private coaching sessions, demonstrating his commitment to returning to peak physical condition and performance. This drive has been noticed by Ten Hag, who emphasized that while support in a player's journey is important, the responsibility ultimately lies with the player to regulate their lifestyle and professionalism.

Ten Hag's Expectations for Rashford

Ten Hag elaborated during a press conference that all players at Manchester United need to prioritize their off-field discipline, stating, "When your lifestyle is not right, you can't perform in the league we have to perform in." He remains optimistic about Rashford's progress, asserting that maintaining resilience in the face of setbacks is crucial for any footballer's career. "He has to continue and progress," Ten Hag stated, reinforcing that early-season scoring boosts a striker's confidence.

Impact on England's National Team

Despite his domestic revival, Rashford has not been part of the England squad since March 2023 and was notably omitted from the squad for Euro 2024. Ten Hag expressed that Rashford is always an option for any England manager, but it will ultimately depend on the decisions made by Gareth Southgate.

Analysis: Ten Hag's Candid Remarks

Sky Sports News senior reporter Melissa Reddy highlights that Ten Hag's honesty about Rashford's past indiscretions should not come as a shock. His commitment to fostering a disciplined culture at Manchester United requires addressing players' commitments beyond the pitch.

Rashford's Journey to Redemption

Reflecting on the previous season, where Rashford faced issues such as tardiness to meetings and poor lifestyle choices, it appears he has now rectified his approach to training and personal life. This reformation is not just essential for his place at Manchester United but is crucial for his re-entry into the national team.

Rashford's Confidence Restored

In his first season under Ten Hag, Rashford was prolific, scoring 30 goals. After only five matches this season, he is already approaching half of his total goals from the last campaign. The resurgence in his scoring form, albeit against lesser opponents, signals a positive shift in his confidence.

A New Chapter Ahead

Now, as Manchester United gears up for tougher matches, the true test of Rashford's form awaits. With tenacity and disciplined dedication to improvement, he is poised to reclaim his status as a key player for both Manchester United and the England national team.

As fans eagerly watch his journey unfold, only time will tell if the young forward can sustain this momentum and help his team in the critical matches to come.