Manchester United’s 7-0 League Cup triumph over Barnsley saw Marcus Rashford back in scintillating form, with the forward now boasting three goals in his last two games. This resurgence has led Erik ten Hag to hail Rashford as the “big guy” who could make all the difference in United’s season.
Rashford, 26, ended a six-month goal drought with a crucial strike in Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Southampton. Building on that momentum, he added two more goals in the comprehensive thrashing of Barnsley, a performance reminiscent of his 30-goal haul in Ten Hag’s debut season. This sudden uptick in form is something the United boss believes could propel his side to new heights this campaign.
Ten Hag expressed his confidence in Rashford’s ability to lead United’s attacking charge. “When Marcus Rashford is scoring, it brings confidence not just to him but to the entire team,” Ten Hag explained. He continued, “You can do many things right between the boxes, but matches are won in the box, and having someone like Marcus who guarantees goals can be the difference.” This statement underscores the vital role that the forward plays in the team’s success, emphasizing that while Rashford’s form is crucial, the responsibility doesn’t rest solely on his shoulders.
Ten Hag acknowledged the need for goals from other players as well. “I’m not only expecting this from Marcus; we have others at the peak of their careers who need to step up, along with some hungry young talents eager to contribute.” This statement highlights Ten Hag’s broader expectations, as he called for the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen, who were also on the scoresheet against Barnsley, to continue supporting the attack.
Rashford’s turnaround comes after a challenging 2023/24 campaign, where he managed just eight goals—far below his standard. Yet Ten Hag’s belief in him has never wavered. “Confidence is a big part of football,” the Dutchman said, “but it’s not everything. I’ve seen even the biggest players struggle when their confidence dips.” He praised Rashford’s mentality but stressed that consistent performances are what truly count. “You are only as good as your last game,” Ten Hag added, reinforcing the pressure on Rashford to maintain his form throughout the season.
United’s thumping win over Barnsley was their biggest in three-and-a-half years, and the first time under Ten Hag that the Red Devils scored more than four goals in a single match. Alongside Rashford’s brace, Garnacho and Eriksen also netted twice, while Antony rounded off the scoring with a penalty. Ten Hag was delighted with the performance, stating, “This was the perfect night for the team. We followed the game plan, scored great goals, entertained the fans, and advanced to the next round. We’re happy with how it all came together.”
The manager’s optimism reflects the growing momentum at Old Trafford, as United look to build on this emphatic result. With Rashford back in form and Ten Hag’s vision becoming clearer, Manchester United fans will hope the “big guy” can indeed be the difference this season.
Focus Keywords:
- Erik ten Hag
- Marcus Rashford
- Manchester United
- Premier League
- League Cup
- Alejandro Garnacho
- Christian Eriksen
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