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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has called on striker Marcus Rashford to lean on assistant manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy for help after his Community Shield performance. The Red Devils fell to a 7-6 shootout defeat to their city rivals in the Community Shield on Saturday (August 10) following a 1-1 draw.
With that, Manchester City avenged their FA Cup final defeat last season. Erik ten Hag's side had prevented them from winning the Premier League and FA Cup double for a second successive season by claiming a 2-1 win.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford struggled in the 2023-24 season, managing only eight goals across competitions. His poor form resulted in him missing out on England's Euro 2024 squad, and he seems to have carried the same over into the new season.
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With the game goalless in the second half, Rashford was presented with a golden chance to open the scoring for the Red Devils. The forward got on the end of a square ball from Alejandro Garnacho but struck the frame of goal with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Rio Ferdinand shares his thoughts via his YouTube show Rio Reacts, advising the forward to seek help from Van Nistelrooy . The former defender, who played alongside Van Nistelrooy, pointed out that the Dutchman would have scored in the game. He said (from 11:00 to 13:40) about Rashford.
“I think that’s the job of someone like Ruud (van Nistelrooy). He’ll be doing other things for the team (as coach), but he should be honing this idea into some individuals, especially into attacking players, (to sort of) demand (the ball from) your teammates.
“Rashford, you’ve had a season like last season, let’s not have that again. These are the conversations that should be going on between them. (Van Nistelrooy) should build him up, show him (something about his finishing).
He continued:
“Even his miss from today, Ruud van Nistelrooy wouldn’t do that. He should’ve gone with his right foot. And I’d like it if Ruud spoke to him about it after the game and Marcus should be like, ‘I need to improve and you’re the man Ruud.’ That’s what I want to see. Use him as the guide to get better, to improve.
Van Nistelrooy was employed as the club's assistant manager this summer after a successful stint at PSV. The Dutchman joined Ten Hag's backroom staff in a major backroom change at the club.
Manchester United boss throws weight behind struggling Marcus Rashford
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has declared his support for struggling forward Marcus Rashford after his disappointing display in the Community Shield. The England international missed two good opportunities to score for his side as they succumbed to a shootout defeat to City.
Ten Hag said that he believes that the goals will come for the Manchester United forward. He praised Rashford for his positioning and movement in the game and expressed his trust in him.
"I think he was several times in very good positions. I'm very pleased he is getting in those positions. Keep going. Keep making those movements, and the team will make those movements. He will score goals.
"He's experienced enough to deal with this, and once he scores one, then the goals will come."
Rashford scored 30 goals in the 2022-23 season, earning rave reviews. The forward will be eager to prove that the 2023-24 season was only a blip, and he can do so by finding the net regularly.
