Erik Ten Hag sheds light on Marcus Rashford rejuvenation

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has admitted that he was eager to work with Marcus Rashford even before he arrived, and he attributes the forward's recent resurgence to his ability to have fun again.

In 2021/22, Rashford had the worst season of his career, beginning it recovering from shoulder surgery and scoring the fewest goals he had ever scored in a single season—even fewer than he had scored in just 18 games as an 18-year-old at the end of 2015/16.

Rashford, more than anyone else, has symbolised United's recovery in recent weeks following the team's shocking back-to-back losses to Brentford and Brighton.

He contributed to the winning goal against Leicester, the game-changing victory against Liverpool, and all three of United's goals against Arsenal. He was named the Premier League Player of the Month for September thanks to his last two performances.

“From day one, I was so excited to work with him,” Ten Hag, who was himself named Manager of the Month, told Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.

“I already knew the huge impact he can have and now he is bringing potential every game and decisions on the pitch. That’s why I’m happy with his development."

Asked how he has been able to get the best out of Rashford again, the United boss replied: “I told him on day one, ‘I want to see you smile every day’.

“We prepare good training sessions and it is up to you to love the training and give it your best because when you have pressure and enjoy the training, you can give your best and will improve. Life is easy because your performance has gone up.

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