Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has revealed that he asked the team’s forward Marcus Rashford to work on his heading when he joined the club. The Dutchman feels the youngster was able to improve his heading and the results are palpable.
Rashford scored through a header against West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday after Christian Eriksen provided him an assist. The 25-year-old also completed 100 goals for the Red Devils, thus becoming the 22nd player for the club to achieve the personal milestone.
In fact, Rashford had also scored through a header in the Europa League clash against Sheriff Tiraspol.
Ten Hag said (via The Metro): ‘When you see he made two headers (in the game), for instance, and we have worked a lot on that. I notified him from the start, his heading had to improve and he worked on that and you can see what’s happening.”
The Dutchman went on to add that Rashford is already an elite player for the club as he is performing at the top of his game.
‘I think he is already. Before you’re 25, to score 100 goals, I think you’re already there, but he won’t be satisfied with that.”
He added: “In the end it’s about how many trophies you win with your club and I think he can develop his game even more.
“Also mentally, he’s much more consistent and reliable and resilient. I’m really happy with the progress.’”
On the other hand, Rashford feels he is in a better mental space in the ongoing season for Manchester United.
He said (via ManUtd.com): “To be honest, it’s a complete different energy around the whole club and the training ground. That for a start puts me in a better headspace and I just feel really motivated now.
“That’s where I really struggled at times [last season]. More just mental things and not really my own performance. It was other things off the pitch and that’s the biggest difference from this season.”
Manchester United will next take on Real Sociedad on Thursday in the Europa League.
