Erik ten Hag slams negativity surrounding Manchester United star, he has an “amazing” record

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has praised Marcus Rashford, whilst hitting back at the negativity surrounding his winger.

Rashford, 26, was a key part of United’s 3-0 win against Southampton, scoring a brilliant goal from outside of the box for the Red Devils’ second.

However, in the days and hours leading up to the game, Ten Hag’s decision to use Rashford ahead of Alejandro Garnacho was criticised. The Englishman had not scored a goal in nine Premier League games before this weekend.

This, alongside his performances so far this season, has seen the United winger’s performances lambasted, something Ten Hag hit back at after the Southampton game.

“We don’t pay attention to what the outside world is telling us, Ten Hag stated. “But there was too much negativity towards him after Liverpool.

“He created two great chances, 100 per cent chances, in that game. And also in other games in this season so far he has played very well. He deserved a goal but you have to work for it. 

“That is what he is doing at this moment, and then you get a reward. He scored a great goal. He has already scored so many goals for Manchester United.

“For his age, the number of goals is amazing, and I’m sure he will get many more.”

With Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Rashford, Ten Hag is armed with three players in his squad who could play as a striker. This led to the Dutchman using ketchup to explain the significance of scoring early in the season.

“To get into a season for every striker, it is so important to get on the scoring list. Then you are building momentum, you are building belief and then it will come into more goals.

“Once a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle, once it’s going, it’s coming more.”

Following their victory over Southampton, Manchester United now sit in tenth place in the Premier League table, picking up six points from four games.

Ten Hag’s side will next face Barnsley, with the League One side travelling to Old Trafford to face United in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.

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