Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has come to the defense of Marcus Rashford following recent criticism, asserting that the striker remains highly motivated to contribute to the club’s season run-in. Rashford, 26, found himself excluded from the starting lineup during Thursday’s 4-3 Premier League defeat against Chelsea, a match where United squandered a 3-2 lead with two late stoppage-time goals.
Despite Rashford coming on just before United took the lead, concerns about his perceived lack of pressing surfaced on social media in the aftermath of the defeat. This criticism coincided with remarks made by former United captains Gary Neville and Roy Keane on the ‘Stick to Football’ Podcast, where Neville remarked that Rashford “wasn’t right” and Keane suggested he needed a “kick up the backside.”
Pushback Against Criticism
Responding to Neville and Keane’s comments, Rashford’s step-brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, took to social media urging the former players to address any concerns directly. Maynard emphasized that if Neville and Keane had “genuine concerns,” they should “pick up the phone” rather than adding to the narrative that has seen Rashford singled out for criticism without sufficient protection from negativity.
Ten Hag refrained from citing fitness issues as a reason for Rashford’s form compared to the previous season, where he found the net 30 times. Instead, the United boss highlighted Rashford’s potential to “change the momentum” and emphasized the player’s desire for success, both with the club and potentially in the upcoming European Championship.
Optimism Amid Challenges
Despite the recent setback at Stamford Bridge leaving United in sixth place, 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa, Ten Hag remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. With chances of European qualification still alive and an FA Cup semi-final berth secured, there’s ample opportunity for Rashford and United to make an impact in the remaining fixtures of the season. Additionally, with the European Championship looming in the summer, Ten Hag believes Rashford has plenty of motivation to showcase his abilities on the pitch and deliver success for both club and country.
Looking ahead to United’s upcoming clash against Liverpool, Ten Hag emphasized Rashford’s growing form, pointing out that he had scored three goals in three games leading up to the recent encounter with Chelsea. The Dutch manager reiterated Rashford’s commitment to achieving success with United, underscoring his hunger for goals, trophies, and a coveted Champions League spot.
