Erik ten Hag calls Marcus Rashford one of the best strikers in Europe
Erik ten Hag hailed Marcus Rashford as one of the best goal scorers in Europe and then warned Manchester United’s in-form striker not to get lazy if he wants to keep up his remarkable form.
Rashford broke the deadlock in United’s 2-0 win over Leeds at Elland Road with his 13th goal in 15 games since returning from the World Cup.
It’s the best record of any player across Europe’s top leagues, and Ten Hag agreed that the 25-year-old is among the best on the continent.
‘He’s definitely one of them,’ said the United boss. ‘I was convinced from the first moment, I was really excited to work with him. I thought I could get more out of him.
‘But he has so many skills and such high potential and there can be even more. When he works well he will score even more goals because he can score with his left foot, right foot and his head.’
Rashford has now scored 21 goals for United this season, but Ten Hag believes that the player needs to be careful he doesn’t slacken.
He added: ‘You asked me in August and September, “do you think you have a player in your squad who can score 20 goals”, and I confirmed that I thought he can do that.
‘Now, if you are satisfied with it then it will stop. Because satisfaction goes to laziness, you have to keep investing every day. When he keeps the investment and keeps the focus in every game and brings the energy and the belief, he will keep scoring.
‘So then I don’t know when it will stop, but it has to go from game to game, and during the week do the right things.
‘I think as a manager, as a coaching staff, we have to push him but finally it comes from the player. When he loses focus, the scoring will stop, clear.’
Ten Hag also revealed that he had spoken to United’s other goal scorer, Alejandro Garnacho, after the teenager wasted several chances in the draw with Leeds at Old Trafford in midweek.
‘I had some talks with him about that,’ said Ten Hag. ‘It’s about taking responsibility. Okay, not every chance can be a goal but of two, one has to be in. That is taking responsibility.’
Leeds captain Luke Ayling admitted that their players are in the dark over the search for a new manager after Michael Skubala took charge of his second game as caretaker.
‘We aren’t sure what’s happening behind the scenes and if there is a new manager,’ said Ayling. ‘But he and his staff have done a great job the last few days and we will keep plugging on until things change.’
