Marcus Rashford and Erik ten Hag’s relationship becoming “more strained” | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford is “unlikely to start” for Manchester United in Saturday’s FA Cup final as his relationship with manager Erik ten Hag goes from bad to worse.

This is according to Oliver Kay of The Athletic, who claims that “Rashford’s relationship with Ten Hag has become more strained.”

The 26 year old has endured an extremely disappointing season on the back of a golden one last time around that saw him score 30 goals in all competitions for United and look like a world beater.

By contrast, this term he has netted just eight times, two of which were penalties.

The pressure of expectation following the previous campaign and United’s horrific season have been cited as reasons for his demise, but Kay points out that “this was the fifth season out of nine that he failed to reach double figures for Premier League goals — and his four double-figure tallies include a 10 and an 11 as well as two more impressive 17s.”

In other words, in only two of nine seasons has Rashford shown his best form and true potential.

But as far as the relationship with Ten Hag is concerned, the problems stem more from off-field issues and Rashford’s unwillingness to take instruction and shoulder defensive responsibilities, Kay says.

An ill-timed drinking binge in Belfast “left Ten Hag feeling let down” and has “not been forgotten”.

In addition, “the manager has been frustrated by the player’s lack of conviction and consistency with the ball — including in areas where he was excelling last season — and by a perceived lack of defensive discipline without it,” Kay explains.

“Ten Hag places importance on how his attacking players perform out of possession, as the first line of defence… Rashford’s absence from the starting line-up in recent weeks reflects concern about his off-the-ball work as much as his goal return.”

With a five year, £300,000 per week deal under his belt, Rashford seems unlikely to move on whether he or United want him to or not. Barring an amazing performance in the FA Cup final, even old suitors like Paris Saint-Germain would be unlikely to cough up the £70 million or so required by United nor match that exorbitant salary after the season Rashford has had.

Kay’s point about only two in nine seasons having produced a strong output also suggests that a change in manager this summer would be unlikely to have much bearing on how the Wythenshawe man performs next time around. Regardless of whether the relationship with Ten Hag is strained or not, Rashford has been just as inconsistent under other managers as he has under the Dutchman.

Gareth Southgate’s decision yesterday to leave him out of the provisional England squad for Euro 2024 suggests that he, too, does not feel confident that he can bring the best out of the player. Indeed, it suggests he does not think the problem lies with Ten Hag or United.

Of course, there may be a manager, or coach, or sport psychologist who can consistently bring the best out of Marcus Rashford. But ultimately it seems as if the only person who can find that key will be the player himself.

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