Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has come to the defense of Marcus Rashford, asserting that the striker is deeply motivated to contribute to the club during the final stretch of the season.
Rashford, aged 26, was not included in the starting lineup for Thursday’s 4-3 Premier League loss against Chelsea. Despite United leading 3-2, they conceded two late stoppage-time goals.
Rashford entered the game just before United took the lead, but some fans on social media pointed out a perceived lack of pressing following the defeat.
This critique came shortly after Rashford’s step-brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, responded to former United captains Gary Neville and Roy Keane regarding comments made about the England forward on the ‘Stick to Football’ Podcast. Neville remarked that Rashford, who has scored eight goals in 37 games this season, “wasn’t right,” while Keane suggested he needed a “kick up the backside.”
Maynard addressed this narrative in a social media post, suggesting that if Neville and Keane had genuine concerns, they should reach out to Rashford directly.
Ten Hag has not cited any fitness issues for Rashford’s current form compared to last season, when he scored 30 goals. He believes Rashford is a player capable of “changing the momentum.”
Throughout the season, Rashford has faced scrutiny about his on-field work rate and criticism about his conduct off the pitch. In February, he stated that those questioning his commitment to the club should display “more humanity.”
Following the defeat at Stamford Bridge, United finds themselves in sixth place, trailing Aston Villa in fourth by 11 points.
They still have a chance of European qualification and have reached the FA Cup semi-finals.
With the European Championship to come in the summer, Ten Hag feels England international Rashford has plenty of reasons to want to impress.
“Lately his form is progressing,” the Dutchman said, ahead of United welcoming Liverpool on Sunday (15:30 BST). “I think he has a big motivation because he wants to be successful with us.
“He wants to score goals but he wants to win trophies and we still have a chance in the FA Cup. He wants to fight for a Champions League spot and the Euros are coming so I will say his motivation should be high.
“He can change the momentum. Before [the 30 March game at] Brentford he scored three goals in three games.”