Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam was the most uncompromising centre-back a striker could come up against.
Playing in an era filled with elite number nines like Gabriel Batistuta and Ronaldo, it is hard to recall a player ever getting the best out of the big Dutchman.
After a spell in coaching Jaap Stam now pops up as a pundit in the UK and the Netherlands, often voicing his opinion on former club Manchester United.
In a new question an answer session for ViaPlay, Stam was asked about a current Red Devils star.
Jaap Stam on Marcus Rashford
Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam was asked what Marcus Rashford needed at Manchester United to be successful.
Stam responded quite bluntly to say that Rashford needed better players around him, in order to drag up his own performances.
He explained: “Rashford needs a club with players who make him play better football. When you see him at the moment, you see that people expect a lot from him and his way of playing.
“But he can’t show that now. As soon as the players around him perform better, Rashford will follow.”
Stam’s comments could be construed as suggesting Rashford may need to leave United in order to get what he needs, if you do not believe Erik ten Hag is capable of helping the Red Devils to play ‘better football’.
The former United centre-back made a point to call out Rashford, to argue that improvement must come from within.
He explained: “An important aspect: it is also up to him. If you look at what he achieved a few years ago and what he is showing now…
“Then he has to look in the mirror and ask himself. What can I do differently so that I and the team perform better?”
Stam also offered some practical advice for Rashford, where he can help out his teammates, adding: “He is also not looking for the assist enough.”
Marcus Rashford 2024/25 so far
Marcus Rashford does have two assists this season, half as much as assist leader Bruno Fernandes who is on four.
Rashford does have four goals, already halfway to his paltry tally of last season, just eight. It is enough to offer a small ray of hope.
Her has a long way to go to get to the 30 goals scored in 2022/23, and until he does, this will be what he is judged on, as Stam’s comments show.
Rashford has displayed what he is capable of, but the challenge for a top player is to be consistent.
The forward needs do it again. And then do it the year after that. If he can, then goal-shy Manchester United will be in a much-better place.
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