Erik ten Hag has made his feelings clear on Marcus Rashford after the Manchester United star hit back on social media at the criticism he has received this season.
Marcus Rashford was in the form of his life in Erik ten Hag’s debut season and the Manchester United forward impressed during the 2022-23 campaign.
The 26-year-old England international scored an impressive 17 times in 35 Premier League appearances last season, with Rashford signing a new contract last summer.
Despite committing his long-term future at Old Trafford, Rashford has appeared a shadow of his former self and the United star has struggled with his form.
The United player has only managed to score seven times in 31 Premier League appearances this season, with Rashford heavily criticised for his lack of consistency.
Ten Hag has been questioned about Rashford’s antics off the field this season, including his visit to a nightclub after United’s defeat to Manchester City in 2023.
Rashford also reported as ill for training back in January ahead of United’s FA Cup tie, but the England forward had previously been spotted at a nightclub in Belfast.
What did Man Utd star Rashford say?
Marcus Rashford failed to impress during Manchester United’s hard-fought FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City at Wembley last week.
The United star was withdrawn by Erik ten Hag near the end of regular playing time and replaced by Amad Diallo in the penalty shootout victory against Coventry City.
Rashford was met with boos by some United fans at Wembley after he failed to make an impact for the Red Devils.
The England international then missed the 4-2 Premier League win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday due to injury.
Rashford took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, at 12:36am on Friday and tweeted out against the “abuse” that he has received.
Quote tweeting a United fan account supporting him, he wrote: “I appreciate your support!
“It is abuse and has been for months. Enough is enough.”
Ten Hag on Rashford and his tweet
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Ten Hag insisted that he has a “lot of sympathy” for Rashford and he “needs the support” this season.
“I’ve a lot of sympathy for Rashy, of course,” he said, as per the Manchester Evening News.
“Last year, he had a brilliant season. I think the best season in his career, he scored 30 goals. 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.
“I think the fans are behind us always. 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.”
