Erik ten Hag challenges Marcus Rashford to ‘keep this attitude and this performance level’

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Erik ten Hag challenges Marcus Rashford to ‘maintain this attitude and this level of performance’ as he scores a great goal in Man United’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win to return from the World Cup with a bang

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has praised Marcus Rashford after the England striker scored an excellent solo effort in a 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Burnley.

United doubled their lead 12 minutes into the second half when Rashford, scorer of three goals during the World Cup, ran out carrying his own half’s ball into the visitors’ box and drilled it into the net.

That followed a 27th-minute point-blank shot from Christian Eriksen, another of several United players who had been to the World Cup, as Ten Hag’s men secured a place in the quarter-finals on their return to the action after the Tournament in Qatar.

Marcus Rashford (right) shone for Manchester United in their 2-0 Carabao Cup win against Burnley

Boss Erik ten Hag has urged Rashford to keep the same attitude and level going forward.

Regarding Rashford, who has scored nine goals in total for United this season, Ten Hag said: “I think he invested a lot, once again, with a lot of runs behind the defense line, and then he scored a great goal in a dribble, great shot.

“I think he’s in great shape and of course I hope he can keep up this focus and performance.”

“I think he is at a very good level, his performances are improving a lot from game to game. He is a continuous threat, today but also in many other games this season, he has already scored a lot of goals and he also does a lot of defensive work, not forget it.

Rashford’s performance, both in attack and defense, impressed the Dutch coach on Wednesday

“I am very happy with his performances and I hope and hope he continues with this attitude and this level of performance.”

The game was also United’s first since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the club by mutual agreement last month following his explosive interview on TalkTV.

Asked after the Burnley game about his thoughts on Ronaldo’s departure, Ten Hag, who did not mention the Portuguese in his program notes, said it was a matter he had already spoken about officially during United’s recent trip to Spain, adding: ‘We made a statement and we look to the future.’

Then, when asked if it was a good thing from his point of view that the matter was closed, he nodded and said: ‘That’s right.’

Rashford collected the Man of the Match award as United progressed to the quarter-final

While United had five players who had been in Qatar included in a strong starting XI, and a further three coming off the bench, those not featured in the matchday squad included Harry Maguire, who was ill.

On the possibility of the England defender taking part in the Premier League game against Nottingham Forest next Tuesday, Ten Hag said: “Harry is sick, sick, and I don’t know how that plays out.

“We have to wait and then we’ll see if he’s available for Forest.”


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