Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has come out to defend his striker, Marcus Rashford, and told the fans not to worry about the form of the forward in the new season. This was in reaction to United's recent defeat by Manchester City in the Community Shield, which ended with a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out at Wembley.
Against City, he had a frustrating game where he let two important chances go begging which could have put United ahead. He missed a first-half opportunity and then hit the post with another in the second period. But Ten Hag sees this as absolutely normal and has an optimistic outlook regarding Rashford's potential to rebound.
In his first season with Manchester United under Ten Hag, Rashford was in good form, scoring 30 goals. It was difficult last season, though, as Rashford scored only eight. It is a slump that has got the fans worried, but Ten Hag believes Rashford will come out of this period.
Asked about Rashford's current confidence crisis, Ten Hag said, "He was several times in very good positions. I'm very pleased he is getting in those positions. Keep going, keep making those movements, and the team will make those movements; he will score goals."
Ten Hag's persistence with Rashford shows he believes in his experience and strength. "He's experienced enough to deal with this," Ten Hag added. "Once he scores one, then the goals will come."
United's only goal in Sunday's Community Shield was scored by Alejandro Garnacho in the 82nd minute before Bernardo Silva equalized in the 88th minute to send it to a penalty shoot-out which Manchester City won 7-6.
The fact that Ten Hag has come out in support of Rashford as the new season gets underway only underlines that commitment to getting the striker back in line. Everyone connected with United will be looking for Rashford to get back in his scoring vein and make telling contributions to the team's success throughout the months ahead.
