Marcus Rashford hit the highest and lowest point of his Manchester United career during his time under Erik ten Hag.
Erik ten Hag managed to get the best out of Marcus Rashford during his first season as manager. The now 26-year-old hit a career-high of 30 goals in the 2022/23 campaign.
Rashford always had such high potential and it finally looked as though Ten Hag had unlocked it. But his form fell off a cliff in the following season when he only scored eight goals in all competitions.
His dip for the Red Devils ended up costing Rashford a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad this summer and he looked a shadow of the player who had just netted 30 times in one season.
One of the biggest criticisms of Rashford during the slump in his form was that his attitude and body language on the pitch looked miles off – a smile from the English forward was a rare sight.
Erik ten Hag had big concern about Marcus Rashford
Ten Hag was sacked on Monday morning following the terrible start to the season, with the 2-1 defeat to West Ham proving to be his final in charge.
Much of Ten Hag’s problems this season came down to a lack of goals, with United only scoring eight in nine Premier League games.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 14 |  Man UtdManchester United | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 11 | -3 | 11 |
Rashford has scored four goals in 14 appearances this season, but only scored once in the Premier League.
Ten Hag was quick to jump to the defence of his players following the defeat against the Hammers, but reports now suggest the Dutchman did have concerns about his No.10.
According to ESPN, some staff at United felt Ten Hag defended his players too much which made him a “lightning rod” for criticism.
It adds that Ten Hag felt many of his players did not respond well to public criticism so backed his players repeatedly, including Rashford.
Ten Hag publicly defended Rashford but the report claims that he did have concerns about his body language during training and games.
Ruben Amorim must get the best out of Marcus Rashford
Everything points towards Ruben Amorim becoming the next United manager. The Sporting boss is set to travel to England this weekend as both clubs finalise his appointment.
One of Amorim’s biggest challenges will be getting United’s star players to rediscover their best form, especially Rashford.
READ MORE: Predicted Manchester United line-up to face Leicester as Ruud van Nistelrooy takes charge
At 26 years old, United need Rashford to step up and become a leader in this squad. The likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho are still young and inconsistent – it is up to Rashford to lead from the front.
That doesn’t necessarily mean scoring or assisting every game, but there can be no more question marks around his body language or attitude – they are basics every senior player should be getting right.
Amorim will provide Rashford with a clean slate and supporters should back him to get back to his best.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
