Ten Hag sees that a switch has flipped with Rashford

Marcus Rashford’s return to form has come as a huge relief for Manchester United, as the 26-year-old forward appears to have turned a corner following a difficult previous season.

Rashford netted three goals last week, one against Southampton in the Premier League and two more against Barnsley in the League Cup, signaling a possible revival for the player who had only managed nine goals in total during the entirety of the last campaign.

The turnaround is particularly significant given the struggles Rashford faced over the past year. His exclusion from the European Championship squad and the headlines surrounding his disciplinary suspension after calling in sick for training, following a night out in Belfast, were low points in a difficult period for the England international. These issues led to questions about his commitment and professionalism, with some speculating that his off-field lifestyle was affecting his performances.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been one of Rashford’s most vocal supporters, expressing satisfaction with the player’s recent improvements. "He probably needed some support, for example by giving him backing," Ten Hag said in an interview with English media, reflecting on Rashford's resurgence. However, the Dutch manager also emphasized that the player’s own commitment and discipline were key factors in his revival. "Ultimately, he has to do it himself. He has to get his life in order, just as he needs to show dedication during training and in matches. If he conducts himself professionally, he will perform, because he is a player with class."

Ten Hag acknowledged that setbacks are a natural part of any footballer’s career, and Rashford’s dip in form should not have come as a surprise. "During a football career, you don’t always go up; sometimes you go down. You have to deal with that. Rashford has now experienced this. He knows how to fight his way back and is on the right track," Ten Hag said, offering a realistic view of the ups and downs that players often face. "He’s started the season very well and now needs to keep that going," he added, urging Rashford to maintain his momentum.

The importance of Rashford’s resurgence cannot be overstated for Manchester United, especially as the club faces key fixtures in both the Premier League and the Europa League. United are set to visit Crystal Palace on Saturday in a Premier League clash that will test their ability to climb up the league standings. Following that, they will host FC Twente at Old Trafford in the Europa League, a competition where United hope to make significant strides this season.

Rashford’s form could be pivotal in both competitions, and with Ten Hag’s guidance, the hope is that he can continue to deliver for the club. Having weathered the storms of a difficult year, Rashford now looks like a player ready to leave his struggles behind and focus on achieving his potential, both for Manchester United and for himself. If he can sustain his recent performances, there’s every reason to believe that Rashford can once again become the key player he was during his peak seasons at the club.

Ten Hag’s belief in Rashford’s ability and character has clearly been instrumental in his revival, and it’s now up to the forward to continue proving his worth on the pitch. As Manchester United prepares for a challenging season ahead, Rashford’s resurgence will be a crucial factor in their success.