LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United in action during the 2024 FA … [+] Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has backed his striker Marcus Rashford to return to form in the new season.
Ten Hag spoke out in defence of Rashford in the aftermath of United’s defeat to Manchester City on Saturday in a penalty shoot-out in the Community Shield at Wembley.
In the curtain-raising game to the new season Rashford missed two good opportunities to open the scoring for United, failing to hit the target in the first half and clipping the outside of the post with another chance in the second half.
In Ten Hag’s first season at United Rashford scored 30 goals, but last season suffered a slump and managed just eight goals.
“I think he was several times in very good positions,” Ten Hag replied when asked if Rashford was still suffering with a lack of confidence.
“I’m very pleased he is getting in those positions. Keep going, keep making those movements and the team will make those movements, he will score goals.
“He’s experienced enough to deal with this and once he scores one, then the goals will come.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United celebrates with teammate Marcus … [+] Rashford after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2024 FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
United scored just once at Wembley, through Alejandro Garnacho in the 82nd minute before Bernado Silva equalised with a header in the 88th minute, taking the Community Shield to a penalty-shoot out which City won 7-6.
“We are disappointed,” Ten Hag said. “We have to feel the pain and everyone feels the pain. That’s a good signal but also I see some positives.
“We performed well, we could’ve won this game, we were twice leading in the game and in the penalties but we lost and we’re disappointed. But we take the positives.”
“I was very pleased. After half an hour we were very competitive and we came in the fight and we were passionate in the fight and that is what we demand from our players.”
United start their Premier League campaign on Friday against Fulham at Old Trafford, and Ten Hag saw enough at Wembley to suggest his team will be ready.
“We are going in the new season. I am very pleased with the new structure. We are working very good together. The team was always good but I think we can make steps forwards. I think from pre-season, and also today, we can take positives but I think if we step up and are more clinical in both boxes, then we can be a successful team.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United reacts after missing a chance … [+] during the 2024 FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
“I missed our fans so much. I am so happy we are back. I am really looking forward to the season. Starting on Friday against Fulham. We have some days to prepare and we have to use them. We have to use them and start against Fulham.”
“We worked and we had a competitive team. That is the responsibility for all of us. It is from players in the first place to be available and then for the staff to work with them, to support them, make them fit and keep them fit. When players are available we have a very good team.”
“I just checked with the doctor, and the doctor was the person I spoke to most last season, and it seems that everyone is starting to come good. There is a little knock with Harry Maguire but we hope he can keep fit and available for next week when we start the season against Fulham.”
United expect to make additions to their squad this week with the arrivals of defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
“When we have some news, we will announce it,” Ten Hag said. “Until that point, we will work with the squad that is available. It’s clear we have the problems and we have to work, the players have to work to be available and the staff have to work, together it should be a good collaboration with the players who are available.”
