Aheed Abrar
Marcus Rashford in a “better headspace” for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag compared to last season
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has revealed that he is in a “better headspace” this season compared to the last. The in-form attacker claims off-field issues hindered his performances in the previous campaign.
The 25-year-old scored his 100th goal for the Red Devils against West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday (30 October). His strike proved to be pivotal as Erik ten Hag’s team won 1-0 over the Hammers.
The England international beat Lukasz Fabianski in the West Ham goal with a ferocious header in the 38th minute. The Manchester-based club did not create many clear chances except for Fred hitting the post in the final minutes of the game.
Rashford seems to be a different player this season under the Dutch manager. The forward is the club’s leading goalscorer for the 2022/23 campaign, having found the back of the net seven times in 15 appearances in all competitions.
Comparatively, the 25-year-old managed just five goals for Man United in all competitions in 32 outings last season. The England international looked short on confidence and did not have the intended impact when he featured.
Speaking to Sky Sports via Manchester Evening News after the victory over the Hammers, Rashford disclosed that he was not in the best of places mentally in the previous campaign.
“It’s a completely different energy around the club and the training ground. That puts me in a better headspace and I just feel really motivated now. That’s the area I was struggling in.
“I was struggling at times with more mental things. It wasn’t really my own performance but other things off the pitch. That’s the biggest difference from last season.”
After his disappointing spell last season, some fans wanted the 25-year-old out of the club. He has been one of the best players from our academy in recent years. And a few supporters were on the England international’s back during his rough patch.
Mental health is often an ignored aspect of the game. As a result, we often fail to recognise the impact fans can have on a player’s ability to give their best on the pitch.
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Rashford is looking good this season. Hopefully, the England international is able to build on his performances under Ten Hag and achieve the heights the 25-year-old was once expected to reach.
