Ten Hag: Rashford Can Use Euros Omission as Motivation
Marcus Rashford’s exclusion from England’s Euro 2024 squad can motivate the striker to regain his best form, according to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
England’s manager Gareth Southgate decided to leave Rashford out of the expanded squad for the European Championship, explaining that the 26-year-old hasn’t performed well enough this season.
After scoring a personal best of 30 goals for Manchester United in the 2022-23 season, Rashford’s form has significantly declined this year. He has scored only eight goals and hasn’t found the net since before the March international break.
Manchester United is reportedly open to considering offers for Rashford this summer. However, Ten Hag believes that Rashford’s current dip in form is just a temporary setback.
“That is a career,” said Ten Hag. “It has ups and downs. But a down can also be fuel. That is what I see in training because he looks good. He is highly talented and he will be highly motivated. He has already had a big career. I am sure he will get over this and score even more goals.”
When asked about his own future with Manchester United before the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley, Ten Hag refused to comment. Speculation has suggested that a heavy defeat could lead to his departure, as it would result in United missing out on European qualification.
“I have nothing to say on that,” Ten Hag stated when questioned if this weekend might be his last game as United manager. “I am focusing on my job, which is first to win the game and then keep going on the project.”