Manchester United, a club that once dominated the Premier League, has struggled to reclaim their former glory since their last league title in 2013. The start of the current season has been particularly difficult for the team, as they endured two consecutive losses, including a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to fierce rivals Liverpool.
These poor results have raised doubts about Erik ten Hag’s ability to lead the team back to success. Despite these early setbacks, Manchester United has shown some improvement, securing consecutive victories against Southampton and Barnsley, providing a glimmer of hope for the rest of the season.
Amid these challenges, Ten Hag has identified Marcus Rashford as a crucial player for the current campaign. Rashford, who played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s previous season by scoring 30 goals under Ten Hag’s guidance, has struggled to maintain that level of performance. However, his recent performance in the Carabao Cup, where he scored twice against Barnsley, has reignited optimism.
After the match, Ten Hag praised Rashford, noting the importance of having a reliable goal scorer in the squad. “It’s not just about Rashford scoring all the goals,” Ten Hag remarked, “but having a reliable goal scorer can be a game-changer.” The manager’s words emphasize Rashford’s potential to influence the team’s overall performance, especially as he works to regain his goal-scoring form after a period of struggle.
Rashford’s resurgence comes at a critical time for Manchester United, as the team looks to turn around their season and avoid further setbacks. His return to form has been welcomed by teammates and staff alike, with goalkeeper Andre Onana expressing his relief at seeing Rashford back among the goals.
Onana acknowledged the difficulties Rashford faced last season and commended the forward for his perseverance in overcoming those challenges. For Rashford, the goals against Barnsley represent a step in the right direction as he aims to lead Manchester United’s attacking efforts in the months ahead.
However, Rashford is not the only player Ten Hag is relying on to steer Manchester United toward success. The manager is also counting on other key players, including Bruno Fernandes, who continues to be a creative force in the midfield, and Lisandro Martinez, who anchors the defense.
Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is also expected to play an important role, as is new signing Rasmus Hojlund, who has the potential to add firepower to United’s attack. Together, these players form the core of Ten Hag’s vision for a more competitive and successful team this season.
As Manchester United navigates the challenges of the Premier League, Ten Hag is focused on building a balanced squad that can compete at the highest level. With Rashford rediscovering his scoring touch and other key players stepping up, there is hope that the team can overcome its early difficulties and mount a serious challenge for domestic and European honors. The season remains long, and much will depend on the consistency and form of these pivotal players as United aims to return to the summit of English football.