Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his dissatisfaction with Marcus Rashford’s present form but remains supportive of the player, backing him to regain his stride.
The England international has tallied only one goal in 15 appearances across all competitions this season and received a straight red card during Wednesday’s 4-3 loss against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.
Despite Rashford’s recent struggles, Gareth Southgate has maintained confidence in him by including him in the latest Three Lions squad. Ten Hag anticipates a turnaround in performance from the 26-year-old in the future.
The Dutch manager said: “I think he’s [Rashford] not happy, we are not happy. We have an expectation. He has high expectations from himself. In this moment he is not in the best form but I know he will be back.
“I know when the team is playing better he will play better. He will go and score goals. I am confident of that. This season he will improve and score goals.
“He is totally in the team, he is aware of everything so I think he will be back on track.
“It can happen very quickly and sometimes you only need one game. I’m sure he will get there.”
United’s defeat in Copenhagen was their ninth in 17 matches this season, making tomorrow’s Premier League meeting with Luton a must-win for Ten Hag.
When asked whether recent results have been acceptable, the Red Devils boss replied: “It is about the end result and we have to win every game, so we are very disappointed to lose any game but finally it is about the end result.
“It is always about being in a process, thinking about a process and then it’s about managing the process. That’s the only thing I focus on.
“I think we have often proved we can, like at Fulham, like Brentford, that we can overcome big setbacks.”
Rashford is set to rejoin United’s starting XI against Luton after being absent in the 1-0 victory over Fulham last weekend. However, Ten Hag confirmed that center-back Jonny Evans won’t be available at Old Trafford due to an injury sustained on Wednesday night.