ERIK TEN HAG devised a four-point plan to reignite Marcus Rashford’s career this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit in November left Manchester United severely lacking a reliable goalscorer.
But the Red Devils boss turned to Rashford and called on the forward to step up – and step up he did.
After scoring just five goals last season, he has been one of the standout players in England with 30 this time around.
That included a whopping 22 after the restart following the World Cup as he shouldered that responsibility superbly.
Rashford was not perfect – he was dropped at Wolves for oversleeping and missing a team meeting, only to respond by netting the winner.
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But without his goals, United would surely not be preparing for a return to the Champions League in 2023-24.
So it was no wonder the top scorer, 25, swept up at the club’s end-of-season awards as he was crowned Players’ Player of the Year and Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year.
And Ten Hag revealed what he did to get the No10 firing again, with four key areas.
Speaking to The Times, the Dutchman said: “What I have done? He’s a good football player, incredibly good and his finishing attributes are high.
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“So, first of all, I make a culture where he can perform. Then I get him motivated and then construct a way of play where he can do it.
“And fitness, as well, don’t forget that part. When those four aspects are there Marcus Rashford will score.
“He can play as a centre forward, can play from the left, can play from the right.
“When you see his stats, he is scoring everywhere but he feels more comfortable as a centre forward or from the left.”
Rashford seems to enjoy playing on the left the most, cutting in and causing chaos for full-backs.
And he could be lining up with his England captain Harry Kane at Old Trafford next term if United can complete a stunning transfer for the Tottenham star.
Regardless, though, Ten Hag has already handed Rashford a whopping goal target of 40 for the new campaign.
But with his current contract expiring in 2024, fans are desperate to see the local hero sign on the dotted line for an extension.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
