Man United boss praises Rashford as one of Europe’s best

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By Martin Graham | 14th Feb 2023

Manchester United’s sensational striker, Marcus Rashford, continues to be on red-hot form. A goal against Leeds on Sunday played a key role in the Red Devils’ win and adds to Rashford’s season goal tally

If there were any fears about Marcus Rashford’s ability to carry Manchester United’s attack and score goals this season, those fears are now long gone, thanks to his current goal scoring form.

Rashford’s superb 80th minute header put united in front, before Garnacho’s goal sealed the victory for the Red Devils five minutes later. The goal and victory at Elland Road add more glamour to the England international striker’s fairytale season.

Erik ten Hag praises his star striker

After his team’s hard-fought win at Leeds, and the performance of Rashford, Erik ten Hag has gone on record to confirm that he has always known Rashford has what it takes to produce his current fantastic form in front of goal, and his overall dazzling display.

During his post-match interview, the United coach was asked if Rashford was the best striker in Europe, and he said, “He’s definitely one of them.

“He has the skills. I was convinced from the first moment, I was really excited to work with him, I thought I could get more out of him.

“But he has so many skills and such high potential and there can be even more. When he works well he will score even more goals because he can score with his left, right and his head.

“It’s about him getting into position but also the team has to have the capabilities to pass in there and cross in there, as they did today. I think that is what I wanted to describe.

“If you have better formation and calmness on the ball, you get a switch of play or you bring an extra pass, like we did for the goal. And then finally, a great cross from [Luke] Shaw and Marcus was in the right time there.”

Erik ten Hag pushes for more goals

So far this season, Rashford has scored 21 goals, scoring 12 in his last 15 games for United. It’s a goal tally that would get any striker feeling comfortable and relaxed, which is not a situation the coach wants for his striker.

Erik ten Hag said: “You asked me, do you think you have a player in your squad who can score 20 goals? in August or September and I confirmed. I think he can do that.

“Now, if you are satisfied with it then it will stop because satisfaction goes to laziness. You have to keep investing every day and when he keeps the investment and keeps the focus in every game and bring the energy in and the belief, he will score, he will keep scoring.

“So, then I don’t know when it will stop but it has to go from game to game and during the week do the right things. I think as a manager, as a coaching staff we have to push him but finally it comes from the player. When he loses focus, the scoring will stop, clear.”

Rashford is now one goal away from equaling his highest goal scoring season, the coach wants him to go on scoring goals, and he might even go as far as becoming the first player in United since Van Persie last did it in the 2012/13 camapign, to score 30 goals in a season.