Erik ten Hag admits he has been delighted with the form of Marcus Rashford and believes the forward is ‘happy’ at Manchester United.
Rashford scored twice as United beat Arsenal 3-1 in the Premier League on Sunday, in an impressive performance from the forward who has shown encouraging signs in recent weeks.
The 24-year-old endured a disappointing 2021/22 campaign and lost his place in the England squad as a result, having made just 13 league starts in which he scored four goals.
Rashford now has five goal involvements from six Premier League appearances this season and Ten Hag opened up on his improvement, outlining his belief that the forward is enjoying his football once again.
“Once again, it’s difficult for me to talk about the past. What I see is a happy Marcus Rashford,” Ten Hag told his pre-match press conference ahead of the club’s Europa League clash with Real Sociedad.
“We worked really hard the last two months with him on different aspects. He likes it, he wants to transfer it to the pitch. It started with happiness, he comes in every day, he enjoys it, he’s smiling, a really positive vibe, and if you put all of those things together – like the way of play – and you are happy, you will contribute more to the team.”
Rashford was linked with Paris Saint-Germain during the summer and his current contract is set to expire at the end of the season. United have the option to extend for a further campaign and Ten Hag confirmed that he sees the England international as part of his long-term plans.
“Definitely (in his long-term plans). I don’t think he’s out of contract and I think United control the situation.”
Rashford has led the line in each of the Red Devils’ past four Premier League fixtures, with Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench.
Ten Hag discussed Ronaldo’s role in recent weeks and says the 37-year-old is ‘ready to start’ ahead of the clash with Sociedad at Old Trafford. He also stated his belief that the Portugal captain can regain a regular role in the side.
“He (Ronaldo) started against Brentford, then not since, but he is ready to start. Of course (he can start for the majority of games).”
