“I’m not Harry Potter”–Erik ten Hag explains the true causes of Marcus Rashford’s recent improvement in performance
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, refused to take credit for bringing out the best in Marcus Rashford.
Rashford has been United’s talisman this year, scoring 18 goals and dishing out four assists in all competitions.
In the press conference preceding the FA Cup match against Reading, Ten Hag was questioned about Rashford’s recent success.
The English forward modestly minimized his contributions to his recent success.
He said (via ManUtd.com), “I’m not Harry Potter.
“Confidence [is important] and every player has to make and get his confidence. He fights for this, and he invests in this.
“With me and my coaching staff, we bring structures and especially with the way of play. That gives him some routines [with] what he needed to get into the right position, but finally, it was up to him.
“If the player has confidence and he is confident in the way we are working – the environment and the culture are also important – then the player can perform at his best.
“Marcus is obviously performing at his best at this moment and he is in really good shape, from day to day, game to game, training to train. More and more routines are coming in.”
Rashford’s high level of confidence is due to the support he has received from the team’s support staff.
The 25-year-old has scored more goals than any other player in Europe’s five major leagues since the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup.
The England international is making intelligent runs and leaving defenders in his wake with his breakneck speed.
Compared to what he is now, he was a mere shadow of a player last season.
He has already scored 13 more goals than he did during the entirety of the 2021/22 season.
Manchester United will host Reading in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Ten Hag may decide to shuffle his team in order to give a few of his regulars a weekend off.
Rashford may not start this game due to Alejandro Garnacho’s eagerness to return to action.
If United are in pursuit of a game-winning goal in the final minutes, the manager can utilize Rashford.
“I’m not Harry Potter”–Erik ten Hag explains the true causes of Marcus Rashford’s recent improvement in performance