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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted that Marcus Rashford can be the difference-maker for the club this season.
Ten Hag spoke to the press following United’s 7-0 demolition of League One outfit Barnsley at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
Rashford – who got his season up and running with a goal against Southampton last weekend – grabbed a sensational brace vs. Barnsley.
Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen also scored two apiece, with Antony converting from the spot-kick to ensure United sailed through to the next round of the Carabao Cup.
It was an impressive outing for Rashford especially, who seemed to enjoy himself. He appeared much more confident and lively in his actions on the pitch.
Ten Hag said about the England international, “The goals not only have to come from Marcus Rashford. We need more goalscorers but I know from my first season here when he scores then it’s [easier] for the team when you have a player in your squad who is a guarantee for goals.”
“Goals make the difference, we all know that. In football you can do a lot of things very good between the boxes but football matches are decided in the box.”
When quizzed further on the experienced Rashford and whether he’s entering his prime, Ten Hag responded, “I’m not only expecting this from Marcus Rashford, I also expect it from others who are in the prime of their career but we also have some others who are high potentials, they are very hungry to score goals, but more important they want to win, to win games and win trophies.”
“Confidence is a big part of it, it is not everything, there are also other parts but confidence is a big part and I think Rashford is a big, big guy. He’s scored so many goals, he’s one in the list of United goalscorers, he is on top of it, so he is a big guy.”
“But you are as good as your last game and every time you have to prove it. But I have even seen the biggest guys, the biggest football players, when they are not performing and when strikers are not scoring, they drop in confidence, it doesn’t matter who.”
On whether the style of play and “game model” vs. Barnsley are what fans should expect going forward, Ten Hag explained, “It’s a never-ending process. I know where I want to go, which direction. I know we have a lot of dynamics and speed…we have seen this today.”
“But also in the meantime now, we have players who are capable of dominating possession. We have to work even harder to get all stages of the game, including possession right.”
Up next for United is an away trip to Selhurst Park to take on Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace side.
Feature image Stu Forster via Getty Images
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