Last week, Man United beat bottom-placed Premier League side Southampton 3-0. Of the 3 goals the "Red Devils" scored against the opponent, Marcus Rashford contributed 1 goal. That was the 26-year-old striker's first goal for Manchester United in official competitions since March 2024, a very long period.
In the 2022-2023 season, Rashford scored 30 goals in all competitions, especially scoring many goals since the 2022 World Cup. Then, in the 2023-2024 season, the number of times the "Doctor" scored against their opponents was only 8.
Despite his poor form last season and not being too impressive in the summer friendlies, Erik ten Hag still has faith in his student. According to the Dutch strategist, Rashford is always an excellent player and as long as he can regain his form, everything will be much easier for Man United.
"In my first season in charge, Marcus Rashford always felt and was in good shape like now. When Man United have Rashford on the pitch, I am always calm and calm because I know he will score.
Not only for Rashford, last season was a very difficult period for the Manchester United team. However, in the end, we ended it with a title. We do not forget that feeling and most importantly, we have achieved our goals.
This season, I and the players believe that we need to do everything better, from the coaching staff to the players. Today, I see the desire to score in everyone's eyes.
Rashford is a big player, having scored many goals for this club. He has always been one of the top scorers for Man United in history. Such a good player will always face pressure before starting the match. They need to prove that they are capable of overcoming everything.
Although they are big players and goal-scoring players, when they are in poor form, everyone is as good as anyone" - Ten Hag shared at the press conference after the match.
One of Rashford's most positive points is the striker's finishing in the first goal against Barnsley. When the ball approached the 5m50 area, the English star fired a shot that hit the roof of the net with great force. The table tennis was like a relieve of the long-standing pressure.
After scoring, Rashford recreated his familiar "thinking in you" celebration style and was enthusiastically responded to by the crowd at Old Trafford. In the second goal, the 26-year-old striker jumped high and swung his arm emotionally to join in the devastating victory of the home team.
Although we know Southampton and Barnsley are very weak opponents, Rashford scoring regularly and showing excitement is very important at the moment. It could be the starting point for a comeback in form for Carrington's top star.