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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has launched a passionate defence of Marcus Rashford after the forward found the back of the net against Southampton.
United beat Southampton 3-0 at the St Mary’s Stadium.
The Red Devils’ goals were grabbed by Matthijs de Ligt, Rashford and substitute Alejandro Garnacho. Rashford’s strike was his first since March, getting the England international off the mark for the 2024/25 campaign.
He faced intense criticism for his display in United’s previous clash vs. Liverpool two weeks ago but responded by producing a spectacular finish from 20 yards against the Saints and looked a threat for most parts of the match.
Ten Hag spoke to reporters and insisted that Rashford was unfairly criticised after the 3-0 loss at the hands of Liverpool.
When asked what the goal will do for Rashford’s confidence going forward, Ten Hag replied, “It’s very important.”
“We don’t pay attention to what the outside world is telling us. But there was too much negativity towards him after Liverpool because he created two great chances, 100 per cent chances, in that game.”
“And also in other games in this season so far he has played very well. He deserved a goal but you have to work for it.”
“That is what he is doing at this moment, and then you get a reward. He scored a great goal. He has already scored so many goals for Manchester United. For his age, the number of goals is amazing, and I’m sure he will get many more.”
“To get into a season for every striker it is so important to get on the scoring list. Then you are building momentum, you are building belief and then it will come into more goals.”
“Once a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle, once it’s going, it’s coming more.”
Ten Hag also took a swipe at the Premier League over their unfair scheduling on Saturday. United have already had to navigate two 12.30pm kick-offs on the south coast in their first four fixtures – at Brighton and against Southampton.
He remarked, “It’s very unfair for the fans to deal with this. 8pm away games on a Saturday night or the 12:30pm slot – it’s not right.”
“But they are always there. I am so proud of our fans. They are always there, and whatever happens on the pitch, they are always supportive of the team. There’s a really good connection, as you saw today.”
“They bring a very good ambience at Old Trafford but also in away games but I think the Premier League should also pay some attention to this in the fixture list.”
The United gaffer insisted that he was not prepared to fall back on the international break as an excuse for his players not performing.
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