For all the work Erik ten Hag is doing in the transfer market this summer, the Manchester United manager’s biggest challenge for next season centres around a player already at Old Trafford. Just a year after being handed a bumper deal to stay at the club until 2028, Marcus Rashford floundered last season, scoring just eight times in all competitions.
But the issues around Rashford ran far deeper than his goal tally, with the forward criticised for his apparent bad attitude and lack of application.
And as videos of him duly refusing to track back went viral on social media, the 26-year-old lost his place in the England squad and missed out on Euro 2024.
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Rashford’s loss of form was made all the more dramatic by the fact his barren season followed his best campaign in a United shirt. In 2022/23, Ten Hag’s first in charge, the forward enjoyed his most productive season at club level with 30 goals.
The Dutchman has now added Joshua Zirkzee to his squad, with the 23-year-old set to be part of an enticing front three with Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund. But getting the academy product back to his best form is likely to prove more beneficial to the club than any big money signing.
Much of Rashford’s frustration of late appears to have centred around his lack of freedom going forward, forced to play deeper last season with United struggling on the left hand side of defence. Amid the injury problems of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, Ten Hag was forced to use makeshift options on that side, meaning extra responsibility for Rashford.
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But it’s an area the club can now address. Previous links to Theo Hernandez now have to be followed through after his displays for France at Euro 2024, the AC Milan star one of the major plus points for his country in their run to the semi-finals.
The ability of Hernandez, 26, to surge forward on the flank would allow Rashford to maintain his attacking position, and free him up to get into the area when the full-back was overlapping. Player sales are expected at Manchester United this summer, and any funds raised should be used to pursue the £50million rated star.
And one individual who must now make way to help make money is Antony. The Brazilian forward has underwhelmed since his £80million move from Ajax in the summer of 2022, and Ten Hag has to now swallow his pride and offload the 24-year-old.
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Last season, the lack of end product from the winger did little to help Rashford, Hojlund and co. Putting faith in the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and youngster Amad would be a more productive move, and ultimately mean more creativity and of course, more chances, for the front three.
Despite being linked with the likes of PSG, Rashford is set to stay in Manchester for at least another season. And if Ten Hag can once again get the best out of him, then a return to Champions League football will be within the club’s grasp.
