"A striker was talking about ketchup" - Ten Hag uses Cristiano Ronaldo analogy to describe Manchester United star's goal in recent win

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag used an analogy made by Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to describe Marcus Rashford's goal against Southampton. The English forward's strike in the 41st minute helped the Red Devils secure a 3-0 win in the Premier League on Saturday (September 14).

By getting his name on the scoresheet, Rashford ended a 12-game goal drought. His last goal was against Liverpool on March 17, which earned his side a famous 4-3 victory in the 2023-24 FA Cup quarterfinals.

After the game against the Saints, Ten Hag backed his under-fire star forward by using the analogy made by Ronaldo in an interview from 2010. The talismanic attacker had compared goals to squeezing out of a ketchup bottle, saying (via BeSoccer):

"When it (ketchup) comes out (of the bottle) it all comes out at once."

Referencing the analogy, Ten Hag said:

"Once a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle, once it's going, it's coming more. It is very important for him. We don't pay attention to what the outside world is telling [us], but it was too much negativity to him because he created two great chances [against Liverpool], 100% chances in that game and also in other games. He was playing very well and deserved a goal. Then you get your reward."

Despite having a sub-par campaign in the 2023-24 season, Rashford has started all four Premier League games for Manchester United in the 2024-25 season so far.

"We need more of this" - Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praises 20-year-old star's performance vs Southampton

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag commended young forward Alejandro Garnacho's impact as a substitute in the Red Devils' 3-0 win over Southampton.

Ten Hag brought Garnacho on for Marcus Rashford in the 73rd minute, in an attempt to refresh the attack and find a goal to seal the game. The 20-year-old Argentine delivered, pouncing on a cross from right-back Diogo Dalot to seal the victory in the 96th minute.

Speaking to United's official website after the game, Ten Hag said (via GOAL):

"Of course, we are happy when you bring a sub on who has an impact and he (Garnacho) was the one who downsized the opponent to 10 with a good action (was fouled by Jack Stephens, who got sent off) and then a good finish."

"I think also the rest (of Garnacho’s performance), I was happy with this sub and that is how players should act from the bench and we need more of this," Ten Hag added.

Up next, Manchester United will take on Barnsley at Old Trafford in Round three of the Carabao Cup on September 17.