Erik ten Hag uses Cristiano Ronaldo analogy to praise Marcus Rashford after Southampton goal

Erik ten Hag has backed Marcus Rashford to start his scoring streak after ending his scoring drought. Manchester United won 3-0 against SouthamptonI borrow a quote from Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.

The sharp-shooting Rashford, who has lost his place in England, ended his 12-game run without a goal as he added United’s second against Saints on Saturday with a low strike. It was a much-needed boost for Rashford, who faced heavy criticism for his poor performance against Liverpool before the international break.

Praising the United academy graduate, Ten Hag used to compare Ronaldo’s 14-year-old goals to ketchup – the idea that “if it comes out. [of the bottle] everything comes out at once”.

“There was a striker talking about a bottle of ketchup, when it goes, it comes a lot,” said Ten Hag, refusing to name Ronaldo. “It’s very important to him.

“We don’t pay attention to what the world says [us]but it was too bad for him because he created two big chances [against Liverpool]100% odds on that game and other games. He was playing very well and deserved a goal. Then you get your reward.

“He scored a very good goal for his age, the number of goals he has is amazing, and I am sure he will score more goals. Entering the season for every striker it is very important to be on the scoreboard, you can build momentum, build belief and more goals will come.”

Ten Hag’s call-up to Ronaldo comes just days after the manager responded to the Portuguese’s criticism of his management style.

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