‘We have to back him’

Published 26/04/2024 at 19:37 GMT

According to Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, misfiring forward Marcus Rashford “needs support” to help him get back to the goalscoring levels he enjoyed last season. Ten Hag said he has a lot of “sympathy” for the 26-year-old Rashford, who recently said on social media that he felt the criticism directed towards him constituted “abuse.” Man Utd host Burnley on Saturday.’Reactions from you were embarrassing’ – Ten Hag blasts media after Man Utd reached FA Cup final

Erik ten Hag says Marcus Rashford “needs support” after the Manchester United forward’s difficult season that has brought recurring questions around his form.

Rashford has scored eight goals in all competitions so far this term, far short of his tally in the whole of last season – 30.

As a result, the 26-year-old has borne the brunt of criticism from some in the game.

Rashford recently responded on social media to a post which read: “The way Marcus Rashford is being treated is absolutely disgusting. It’s cruel. It’s abuse”.

The striker’s reply read: “I appreciate your support! It is abuse and has been for months. Enough is enough.”

Ahead of United’s Premier League match against Burnley tomorrow, Ten Hag responded to questions on Rashford.

“I’ve a lot of sympathy for Rashy, of course,” Ten Hag said in his press conference. “Last year, he had a brilliant season. I think the best season in his career, he scored 30 goals [in all competitions]. You see what he is capable of.

“This season, he didn’t give the performances and people have been very critical. We have to back him and everyone should back him to get back to the levels of last year.

“I think he needs the support. We all know what he’s capable of, we all have to support and push him. He can do better than this year. We saw last year when he was really brilliant.”

Ten Hag also discussed the fans’ contribution this campaign amid the club’s mixed form.

“I think the fans are behind us always,” he said. “We are entering Old Trafford, I heard the reception. Wednesday was louder than I have heard.

“Also away: always supportive, backing the team and there is a very good connection between the team and the fans.”

United are currently sixth in the league table and will aim to boost their chances of playing European football next season with a win against Vincent Kompany’s relegation-threatened Clarets.

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