Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is doing his best to turn a negative into a positive.
One Manchester United player suffered a serious blow this week when he was left out of his country’s Euro 2024 squad.
Marcus Rashford was omitted by England, with manager Gareth Southgate saying he simply felt other players had performed better this season.
We suggested this might actually benefit Rashford. He was only going to warm the bench for England, so let him rest, regroup, and come back stronger.
Erik ten Hag pleased by Marcus Rashford response
Erik ten Hag was asked about Marcus Rashford during his press conference ahead of the upcoming FA Cup Final.
The manager says Rashford has responded well in training at Carrington, as he also steps up his comeback after injury.
He explained: “He looks good. A career has ups and downs and a down can also give you fuel and that is what I see in training.
“So he will be highly motivated and, as you said, speak with your feet.”
Ten Hag gave his backing to the forward, and says he will respond strongly.
“He is very talented and already has a big career, and I am sure he will get over this and make even more goals.”
Maximum motivation for Rashford
Marcus Rashford has the perfect motivation to deliver a match-winning performance for Manchester United, if selected.
If winning the derby against rivals City was not enough for theacademy graduate, there is also the revenge factor from last season.
And then the matter of personal pride comes in. This has been a poor season for Rashford, just eight goals scored after 30 last time around.
Now dropped from the England squad, he can prove Gareth Southgate wrong with a big performance at Wembley, and the rest of his doubters.
If his England snub is what really spurs him on, then the decision might have worked out perfectly for Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag’s indications suggest the forward is ready to prove a point, and has responded in the right way.