Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag issues Marcus Rashford ultimatum after 'helping' striker

Erik ten Hag has told Marcus Rashford that he must maintain a high level of professionalism both on and off the pitch in order to regain his top form for Manchester United.

Rashford is currently experiencing a resurgence in form after a challenging previous campaign, during which he struggled with personal issues and was ultimately left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad.

The United striker scored only eight goals last season, a significant drop from his career-high 30 goals the previous year, as his off-field problems negatively impacted his performance.

Rashford faced criticism from Ten Hag for celebrating his birthday at a Manchester nightclub just hours after United’s 3-0 home defeat to local rivals Manchester City in the derby.

Additionally, the forward was disciplined and dropped from an FA Cup tie in January last season after calling in sick and missing training to go on a drinking session in Belfast.

Despite these incidents, Ten Hag has continued to support Rashford, and his faith has been rewarded in United’s last two games, with the 26-year-old scoring three goals and providing one assist.

When asked about the difference in Rashford’s performance this season compared to last, Ten Hag stated: “Probably he needed some help, by backing him, for instance. But at the end of the day, he has to do it by himself.

“He has to set his life right, his training attitude right, his match attitude right. When he sets his professionalism right, he will perform, because he’s a class player.

“I think he always knew – and every player knows [what they must do] – because when your lifestyle is not right, you can’t perform.

“You don’t get the right levels when you don’t have a good and disciplined life away from Carrington [United’s training ground].”

Ten Hag also praised Rashford for his mental strength in dealing with criticism and off-field disciplinary issues, and for regaining his form to remind the football world of his enduring quality.

“I think for every player who plays in the Premier League – but definitely in this club – you need to have some resilience,” said Ten Hag, with Rashford set to lead United’s attack away at Crystal Palace.

“No football career is only the way up, you always go down. You have to deal with it.

“Marcus has also experienced that. He knows when there are setbacks, how to fight back, how to set his career and his performance.

“He took control of it and I think he’s on the way back. He started the season very well – now he has to continue and to progress.”

As Lee Carsley prepares to announce his second England squad for the October international break, Ten Hag suggested it wouldn’t be a surprise if Rashford were to be recalled.

“I think he will always be an option for every [England] manager,” said Ten Hag. “But it’s not up to me.”