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Premier League | Gameweek 28

Mar 9, 2024 at 12.30pm UK

Old Trafford

Man Utd
2 - 0
Everton

Fernandes (12' pen.), Rashford (36' pen.)
McTominay (69')

FT(HT: 2-0)

Onana (27'), Doucoure (34')

Erik ten Hag: 'Marcus Rashford's form is increasing'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 09 March 2024

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag says that Marcus Rashford's form is "increasing" heading towards the business end of the campaign.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that Marcus Rashford's form is "increasing", with the attacker being tipped to enjoy a strong end to the 2023-24 campaign.

The England international has largely struggled for form this season, but he has now managed five goals in his last nine Premier League appearances.

Rashford hit a stunner against Manchester City in the Manchester derby last weekend, before netting from the penalty spot in Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag praised the 26-year-old for his recent form, and the Dutchman is predicting a strong end to the season for the Red Devils academy product.

"When he's on his best, Rashy can be the same [as Alejandro Garnacho]. With his speed, dribbles and directness," the manager told reporters after the two-goal success over Everton.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford scores their second goal past Everton's Jordan Pickford from the penalty spot on March 9, 2024 © Reuters

"He did very well. Last week, he scored a very good goal. His form is okay and increasing. I hope he gets his best form when we come to the end of the season."

Rashford's penalty against Everton on Saturday proved to be his first-ever Premier League goal versus the Toffees at Old Trafford.

The forward has now scored seven goals and registered six assists in 34 appearances for the Red Devils during the 2023-24 campaign, and he will now be looking to help Ten Hag's side overcome Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup next weekend.

"Garna and Rashy, they are almost unstoppable, when they have the moments in behind. Garnacho is progressing very well and we are very pleased with this," the manager added on Saturday.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring their first goal with Scott McTominay on March 3, 2024 © Reuters

"His contribution today was huge, with his runs, his dribbles. It's attractive as well for the audience, obviously we want to show something. I think [they were] well-deserved penalties.

"He gave us space to get in behind and Rashy also, when he gets in those positions, is difficult to stop."

There remains speculation surrounding Rashford's long-term future at Old Trafford, with the attacker often cutting a frustrated figure during the 2023-24 campaign.

A recent report claimed that there had been a breakdown in his relationship with Ten Hag, with both potentially leaving the club this summer.

However, Rashford penned a new long-term contract with the Red Devils last summer, and his current terms at Old Trafford are due to run until the summer of 2028.