Erik ten Hag set goal target for Marcus Rashford in pre-season, it could spark a return to form at Man United

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Erik ten Hag will desperately want Marcus Rashford to return to the goalscoring form he showed at Manchester United in 2022/23.

In what was Erik ten Hag‘s first year as Manchester United manager, the Dutchman appeared to elevate Marcus Rashford to a new level.

He scored 30 goals in all competitions, including six in United’s road to winning the Carabao Cup.

However, Rashford has struggled with consistency and he fell well short of replicating that feat in 2023/24 where he scored just eight goals.

Heading into this season, getting Rashford back up and running was a top priority – especially as he hadn’t scored since March.

Rashford was impressive in pre-season and he seems determined to return to form this season after putting in extra training work over the international break.

Marcus Rashford set goal challenge by Erik ten Hag

Rashford ended his goal drought with a superb curling effort in the 3-0 win over Southampton and he added another two to his tally in the 7-0 thumping of Barnsley.

However, Rashford has bizarrely been in the headlines recently after Ten Hag chose to name him on the bench for United’s trip to Crystal Palace.

Ten Hag lashed out at accusations that there was something else behind his decision to drop Rashford, with the United manager explaining it was simply to rotate his squad.

There is no doubt that Ten Hag wants nothing more than for Rashford to return to form, and the challenge he set him in pre-season is evidence of that.

According to GiveMeSport, Ten Hag has never lost faith in Rashford and he challenged the 26-year-old to get 10 goals before Christmas.

With three goals already to his name, there is hope that Rashford can kick on and hit that target in the coming weeks.

United have a packed fixture list on the horizon so there will be plenty of opportunities for Rashford to get his name back on the scoresheet, starting with Wednesday’s clash against Twente.

Marcus Rashford can bounce back to his best

There has sometimes been an over-reliance on Rashford for goals at United.

However, United now have a much more balanced front line that can help to chip in with goals. That could suit Rashford perfectly.

READ MORE: Marcus Rashford spotlight is proving why Jadon Sancho failed at Man Utd, and is enjoying new start at Chelsea

Joshua Zirkzee is off the mark after his £36m summer move and Rasmus Hojlund made his return from injury against Crystal Palace.

Alejandro Garnacho is in great form and is enjoying a Cristiano Ronaldo-like breakthrough season, while Amad Diallo is also stepping up and impressing this season.

With less pressure on Rashford to be the main man for United this season, it makes it the perfect environment for him to bounce back to his best. He has already been in and around the goals this season and there are plenty more to come.