Erik ten Hag says he has “a lot of sympathy” for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and urged supporters to “back him” in rediscovering his form.
Rashford, 26, has struggled for consistency in his performances throughout the season, having scored eight goals and assisted five in 40 appearances.
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Last season, the England international produced his best individual campaign after finding the net on 30 occasions, and his dip in form has led to criticism from sections of United’s fanbase.
In the early hours of Friday morning, Rashford posted on X that “enough is enough” after suggesting he has received abuse “for months”.
I appreciate your support! It is abuse and has been for months. Enough is enough https://t.co/MUfiU0JwEb
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) April 25, 2024
Rashford was also in the public eye in January. The Athletic reported that he went out in Belfast the night before reporting himself as too ill to attend United training the following day.
Ten Hag is hoping the forward will get back to the levels he showed in 2022-23.
He said: “I have a lot of sympathy for Rashy. Last year, he had a brilliant season, the best season in his career, 30 goals.
“This season he didn’t give the performances and then people are very critical. I think we have to back him. Everyone should back him and push him to get back to the levels he was at last year.
“I think he needs support. We all know what he’s capable of. We all have to support but also to push him. He can do better than he is doing this year and we have seen that last year when he was really brilliant.”
Rashford’s impressive performances last season saw him earn a new five-year contract at United last July.
He joined United at the age of seven and, since graduating from their academy, has found the net 136 times in 413 senior appearances.
United, meanwhile, face Burnley in the Premier League this Saturday at Old Trafford.
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