Erik ten Hag reveals what was to blame for Marcus Rashford’s poor 2023/24 form

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes Marcus Rashford’s ‘lifestyle’ was the cause of his struggles last season.

Hopes were high for Rashford heading into the 2023/24 campaign after scoring 30 goals last year. However, he was unable to reach anywhere near that same level and ended up finding the net just eight times, missing out on his place in England’s Euro 2024 squad.

The striker has also come under scrutiny for his off-field training and was left by United after taking a long break in Belfast.

But with three goals and one assist in his last two games, Ten Hag are hoping Rashford is on the rise again.

“I think he’s on the way back,” Ten Hag said of Rashford at a press conference on Friday.

“You always know, and every player knows, if your lifestyle isn’t right, you can’t play. You don’t get the right levels if you don’t have a good and organized life. [United’s training ground] Carrington.

He added: “At this club, you need some intensity.

“It’s not just about football. You always go down. You have to deal with it. You managed it and I think he’s on the way back.

“Maybe he needed help but in the end he has to do it on his own.

“He has to get his life right, his training attitude is right, his match attitude is right.

Rashford has the chance to extend his fine form on Saturday evening when United take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Red Devils lost 4-0 in this match at the end of the 2023/24 season.

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