“Prove it…” Erik ten Hag sends firey warning to “big” Manchester United star

Erik ten Hag has demanded that one of his “big” Manchester United stars must continue to prove himself after a brilliant 7-0 win over Barnsley.

Manchester United recorded their highest-ever win margin under Erik ten Hag after thumping Barnsley 7-0 in the Carabao Cup third round.

The tie started fast, with Marcus Rashford scoring first before Antony won and slotted in his penalty to make the scoreline 2-0. Alejandro Garnacho then scored a third just before half-time, giving United a stable lead at the break.

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In the second half, Garnacho then netted again, with Marcus Rashford rounding off the club’s fifth goal in style. Two further finishes from Chritsian Eriksen ten and fives minutes from full-time then secured United a huge win.

Following criticism over the international break, United have responded in style, scoring ten goals and not conceding against either Southampton or Barnsley, with Rashford very much a talisman for the side.

Speaking after full-time, Ten Hag had a word on Rashford, explaining that he already knows Rashford is a “big” player in the team but that the English winger must continue to prove himself.

“The goals not only have to come from Marcus Rashford,” he said. “We need more goalscorers but I know from my first season here when he scores then it’s [easier] for the team when you have a player in your squad who is a guarantee for goals.

“Then it can make the difference. You can do a lot of things very good between the boxes but football matches are decided in the box.

“I’m not only expecting this from Marcus Rashford, I expect it from others who are in the prime of their career but we also have some others who are high potentials, they are very hungry to score goals.”

The Dutchman then added: “Confidence is a big part of it, it is not everything, there are also other parts but confidence is a big part and I think Rashford is a big guy. He’s scored so many goals, he’s one in the list of (current) United goalscorers, he is on top of it, so he is a big guy.

“But you are as good as your last game and every time you have to prove it. But I have even seen the biggest guys, the biggest football players, when they are not performing and when strikers are not scoring, they drop in confidence, it doesn’t matter who.”

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