Erik ten Hag tells Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund how to spark Man United form

Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund have struggled for goals in the Premier League this season.

Marcus Rashford has scored just two goals in the Premier League this season, against Arsenal and Everton, while Rasmus Højlund is yet to score in the competition despite grabbing five in the Champions League.

Both players are struggling for consistent and good form, but while Højlund’s inexperience lets him somewhat off the hook, Rashford has been incredibly poor after coming off the back of a 30-goal season.

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Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag explained that Rashford has not been starting recently as he has been ill, but that in order for both players to regain their form, they must work with the team on their attacking game.

“He was ill last week, so that’s why he didn’t start against Bayern Munich and also why he didn’t start against Liverpool,” he said on Friday afternoon. “Also, I must say that Garnacho is doing very good in the last month, so there’s internal competition.

“I’m always very supportive of players, and I know especially front players, they need more trust and support from a manager.

“I have a strong belief in Højlund and in Rashford that they are capable of scoring a lot of goals. Rashford, last year under me, proved he can score many goals when he’s at his best—he will score many goals.

“I have a similar feeling and opinion about Højlund because he has shown in the Champions League, at the highest level, that he’s scoring goals. We have to work as a group, as a team, on our attacking game, but they are capable of scoring a lot of goals.”

Further on Rashford, Ten Hag added: “He’s training well. It can always be better, but I think he’s such an experienced player.

“He’s mid-20s, but he’s a very experienced player, and he knows how top football works. He knows he has to take the responsibility, and I’m sure he will do that, and he will line up himself.”