Erik ten Hag makes opinion clear on Marcus Rashford following PSG rumours

Earlier this week, rumours circulated about Marcus Rashford departing for PSG, but Erik ten Hag has quickly shut down any possibility of him exiting Old Trafford.

Speaking in his press conference prior to United’s fixture against Brentford, Erik ten Hag defended his player who was linked with a move to the French capital.

When asked about whether or not he has spoken to Rashford about this, the Manchester United manager responded by professing his appreciation for the player.

He commented “Not yet, but he knows I love him, he knows I want him to be here, so I will tell him that again.”

Marcus Rashford in pre-season training. (Alamy)

Rashford has been one of United’s most important players in the past, but in the last two years has faced major struggles with injuries, form and confidence.

He has often looked very mentally absent, but Ten Hag clearly believes in him and many believe the Dutchman can be the man to bring Marcus Rashford back.

On his pre-season form, Ten Hag said “He’s showed already in the short time I’ve been here in pre-season what he can do.”

Last week against Brighton, the Englishman’s struggles continued with the player missing two huge chances.

But the manager’s view of these misses was different to the average supporter's opinion of them, with Ten Hag looking at them in a more positive light.

“Also, last week he was twice in the position to score - he was in the right moment at the right place. I trust he will finish in the future.”

Rashford’s work rate off the ball was often criticised last season, both when United were in and out of possession.

Throughout pre-season, he seemed to have a renewed work rate without the ball however, scoring two good goals and looking far more active and energetic defensively.

Erik ten Hag is correct that the Englishman being in the right positions at the right time was a good sign going forwards.

Whilst in hindsight it is frustrating that he failed to finish, with the game possibly having been very different if he finished even one of those chances, execution is variable.

It is expected that Rashford will be in the line-up in West London on Saturday evening, and he will have a chance to redeem himself for last week’s misses.

Marcus Rashford (Alamy)

Ten Hag’s public backing of Rashford is important too, after some of his trouble in recent years he is a player who needs to feel the love from his manager right now.

But he also needs some firmness from his manager behind the scenes to improve, and Ten Hag is a strict disciplinarian who will accept nothing less than the best from his players.