ERIK TEN HAG claims Marcus Rashford has conjured up his own revival rather than any “Harry Potter” magic from the boss.The Manchester United chief wanted to play down his own part in the incredible turnaround of the player’s fortunes under his charge.
Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag won’t take any of the credit for striker Marcus Rashford’s extraordinary form since the World CupCredit: Getty
It was so different before Qatar 2022, with Rashford here showing his frustration after being substituted by Ten Hag in OctoberCredit: Reuters
Instead, he puts it all down to the England international’s determination to find his very best form that has brought ten goals in his last ten games.
Ten Hag said: “I’m not Harry Potter! It’s just confidence. Every player has to make his own confidence. He fought for this, he invested in this.
“Of course, with my coaching staff, we bring in structures, especially in the way of play, that give him routines he needs to get into the right position.
“But finally, it’s up to him, to the player, and when the player has the confidence then I’m convinced.
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“The way of play is most important but the environment and culture are also important, then the player can perform at his best.
“It’s obvious that Marcus at this moment is in really good shape, really good form.”
Rashford’s goalscoring run since returning from the World Cup is the best of any player in Europe’s top leagues.
He scored another wonder goal against Nottingham Forest in the midweek on the back of his spectacular opener at Arsenal last weekend.
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New on-loan signing Wout Weghorst also broke his duck in the Carabao Cup tie at the City Ground and with Antony on form in that game too, Ten Hag is confident in his attacking line-up — despite Anthony Martial’s ongoing fitness problems.
Ten Hag said: “The front line now gives me a positive feeling, it’s getting stronger and they take benefit from each other.
“In the first part of the season, we had many problems in the front line.
“Often we had games where we didn’t have players who were 100 per cent physically and mentally fit.
“Now that’s not the case as much and Marcus can take even more benefit from such situations.”
United take on Reading on Saturday night in the FA Cup fourth round as the only team in the country still fighting on four fronts.
It means they are in a fixture run of ten games in 30 days but Ten Hag is not complaining.
He said: “It’s tough but I think it’s always better to have games rather than training. Players like more games.
“There is a good spirit and a good mood in this dressing room to cope with that.
Antony and loanee Wout Weghorst are offering Rashford impressive support up front for the in-form Red DevilsCredit: Reuters
“We want to stay in those competitions as long as possible so we have to fight for that. It is good for the development of this squad.
“Every day we have to give our maximum, good is not good enough. We have to do better.
“It’s never at an end. We want to win every game. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is.”
Tonight’s Cup game could give club captain Harry Maguire a chance to stake his claim for a regular first-team spot again.
He is right down the pecking order for one of the centre-back spots given the form of those ahead of him.
And Ten Hag told him to battle to get his place back.
The Dutchman said: “It’s up to him. He has to fight for his position and things can change quickly. I have to say he’s training very well, I think he is making progress.
“After the World Cup, he should have played but then he got ill. I can’t do anything about that and he knows that.
For them (Reading) it’s a perfect chance, we have to be aware of that and be on the front foot.Erik ten Hag
“Then he has to wait for his chance, you have to wait for a change and make sure you are ready if the chance is there.”
Meanwhile, Ten Hag says Jadon Sancho is on his way back after being sidelined since October, with the manager believing he has not been physically or mentally right to play.
The winger, 22, only recently returned to full training with the first team since his last appearance at Chelsea.
Ten Hag added: “He is training with the team and improving and we will make a decision after training.”
Sancho is more likely to make the bench for tonight’s game as United aim for two trips to Wembley this season.
They look to be on their way in the Carabao Cup after winning the first leg of their semi-final against Forest 3-0.
But Ten Hag will not underestimate their opponents this evening, despite Reading standing 14th in the Championship.
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He said: “Every opponent will be tough, especially in the Cup.
“For them it’s a perfect chance, we have to be aware of that and be on the front foot.” More
