Marcus Rashford: How Man Utd star reignited his career under Erik ten Hag | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford's return to form under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United this season really has been quite spectacular.

Having found the net 19 times in 32 appearances so far this campaign, the England forward has already smashed his 2021/22 tally of just five goals.

The 25-year-old even managed to equal a club record by scoring in nine consecutive matches at Old Trafford.

Rashford's remarkable resurgence in fortunes has seen him become one of the most vital men in Ten Hag's squad.

What has changed to allow the United frontman to turn into one of the most prolific players in the Premier League right now?

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Carl Anka of Tifo Football recently attempted to answer that question in a fascinating short video examining how Rashford has got back to his best at the 'Theatre of Dreams'.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on February 04, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

We've taken a look at the key points from that analysis below.

In his first transfer window since arriving at Old Trafford from Ajax, Ten Hag spent roughly £250 million last summer on new signings to transform the United starting XI.

The previous season, Rashford struggled to find many teammates who would consistently look to feed him the ball.

Of United's regular starters, only Bruno Fernandes was identified as someone who Rashford could regularly rely on for service.

"Out go Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof and in come Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane - two ball-playing defenders who are very comfortable with the ball at their feet.

"In addition, some good central midfielders are here!

"Christian Eriksen is playing a deep role, but he's allowed to get forward and Casemiro is really good. He's just so complete.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Casemiro of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on January 03, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

"This means United as a whole can attack with way more numbers going forward and so have more ways to get the ball to Rashford in his most dangerous areas."

Rashford is once again following Louis van Gaal's advice to him on scoring goals.

Rashford was given his United debut in 2016 by former boss Louis van Gaal. At half-time in his first competitive match, the Dutch coach instructed his fresh-faced forward to 'stand in between the width of the post'.

Van Gaal said: "You're doing too much. Stand in between the width of the posts. The ball will come to you and you'll score."

That guidance helped Rashford firmly establish himself in the United squad.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Louis van Gaal manager of Manchester United and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United in discussion at half time during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on May 17, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

However, after Van Gaal departed the club, Rashford found his opportunities to play in that area of the pitch limited.

When strikers such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo were brought in, Rashford was often shunted out wide and so rarely received the ball in his preferred area of the pitch.

Ten Hag, though, is said to have 'reminded Rashford of where he is most dangerous.'

It also helps that the present-day United side are much better at keeping possession and maintaining pressure on their opposition, something which allows Rashford to make his way in from the left and attack space in the penalty area on a regular image basis.

Pitch map of Marcus Rashford's scoring positions

Improved confidence and physical presence

"Rashford is just a lot more confident than he has been in years previously," explains Anka. "The team is working for him in a way that it hasn't before.

"He's also feeling the benefits of having his first proper pre-season [after battling injuries for many years]. He also had a pre-season before the pre-season when he went to the Nike headquarters in Portland."

Per talkSPORT, Rashford spent a week in the USA revamping his strength and conditioning program in the morning, before working on his finishing in the afternoon.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on October 30, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The trip proved to be an inspired decision as his ability to hold his own physically against Premier League defenders has definitely improved in recent months.

He no longer exclusively tries to run around opponents as "he knows he has the upper body strength to fend them off," says Anka.

An example of this development is seen in the video with his goal against Wolves in late December.

Rashford video screenshot

Rashford's decision-making when it comes to taking chances has also improved, likely because he's willing to back himself more.

No longer willing to simply take the easy option, Rashford is open to striking the ball with either foot when an opportunity presents itself.

The effectiveness of his newly-discovered confidence is illustrated by his goal in the first-leg of United's Carabao Cup semi-final win over Nottingham Forest.

The ultimate football quiz of 2022

Starting by dribbling with the ball from inside his own half, Rashford charged down the left-wing and made his way into the Forest penalty area.

In prior seasons, Anka believes that the United man might have tried to check back onto his right foot.

There was no thought of that this time around, though, as Rashford went straight for the jugular and smashed the ball home with his left peg. Just another intriguing example of Rashford's evolution as a player.

You can check out the full analysis here.

Arguably the most improved player during Ten Hag's reign at United, it's exciting to think that we still may not have seen the very best of Rashford yet.