"When he is fit, he will be a very good player" - Erik ten Hag backs Manchester United star to do well this season

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has backed misfiring forward Marcus Rashford to have a stellar 2024-25 season. The Dutchman believes the English attacker could become a 30-goal player again if he stays injury-free throughout the campaign.

Rashford performed admirably in the 2022-23 campaign, which was ten Hag's first season in charge at Old Trafford. The 26-year-old bagged 30 goals and 10 assists in 56 appearances across all competitions, making it the most prolific season of his career.

However, he experienced a staggering drop in form in the 2023-24 season, with just eight goals and five assists in 43 games. Aside from the goalscoring woes, he was involved in multiple off-field controversies such as partying while on sick leave from training, over-speeding offenses, and many others.

Despite all the past problems, ten Hag trusts Rashford to be a key contributor for Manchester United moving forward. The Dutchman said former Red Devils marksman Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was recently appointed as their assistant manager, could be the perfect mentor for the Englishman.

In a press conference during United's pre-season tour in the USA, the 54-year-old was asked if Rashford could once again score 30 goals in a season. An optimistic ten Hag nodded, saying (via Daily Mail):

"The reason Ruud is here is clear, he can help the strikers, but he is much more than this... With Rashford, he can only prove himself. He is capable, he scores so many goals already at a relatively young age, he is capable of it. So I am confident, 100 per cent belief, he can do the same as few years ago."

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"We want to work and we want to win" - Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag expresses optimism for 2024-25 campaign

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was full of optimism about his side's balance and capabilities as they gear up for the 2024-25 campaign.

The Red Devils are currently touring the United States. They are scheduled to play fellow Premier League giants Arsenal on Saturday (July 27) and Liverpool (August 3) and also La Liga side Real Betis on Wednesday (July 31) in pre-season friendlies.

Ten Hag recently signed a new contract until 2026 and put an end to the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club. Reports have suggested that he has also mended his relationship with under-fire forward Jadon Sancho, who was outcast from the first team after a training ground bust-up.

The Dutchman said moving into the new season, the atmosphere in and around Manchester United is extremely positive. He said (via New York Times):

"We are now in a new season, we left everything behind. We are looking forward, great project, the process is nice, there will be ups and downs. Now we are very energized, good dynamic, good spirit, we want to work and we want to win."