“100 per cent belief” – Ten Hag rallies behind Manchester United star who struggled last season

Erik ten Hag is “100 per cent” behind Marcus Rashford despite the forward’s struggles on and off the pitch last season.

The Manchester United manager believes Rashford can return to the scoring form of his first season in charge at Old Trafford. At the age of 26, he has 131 goals for the club in 402 appearances.

Rashford scored 30-goals in all competitions that season, but experienced a difficult follow-up campaign, scoring just eight times. He also received a slap on the wrist for disciplinary issues and didn’t look a happy figure on the pitch for the most part.

When asked about Rashford, Ten Hag continued to publicly back the forward and explained how Ruud van Nistelrooy will help the forward in his new role as assistant manager.

“The reason Ruud is here is clear, he can help the strikers, but he is much more than this,” said Ten Hag, as per The Athletic. “With Rashford he can only prove himself.

“He is capable, he scores so many goals already at a relatively young age, he is capable of it. So I am confident, 100 per cent belief, he can do the same as few years ago.”

Ten Hag was asked about Mason Mount too. The England international is another player who struggled last term, making only 20 appearances due to injury problems. The jury is still out as fans remain uncertain what role he will have in the team.

“You can’t judge his season, because he was injured. Don’t judge him. But when he is fit he will be a very good player for us and we can use him, versatile.

“You need certain types in the squad, team players, multifunctional players, definitely he is one of the players who can play in several positions, he will help the team.”

The aim now is to prepare the squad in the best possible way for the new season. That is by ensure they reach peak fitness and avoid any injuries or niggles.

“We are now in a new season, we left everything behind,” he said. “We are looking forward, great project, the process is nice, there will be ups and downs. Now we are very energised, good dynamic, good spirit, we want to work and we want to win.”

Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.