Rashford scored once in United’s 3-0 Premier League win over Southampton on Saturday and added a brace in a commanding 7-0 victory against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford.
“The goals not only have to come from Marcus Rashford,” Ten Hag explained. “We need more goalscorers but I know from my first season here when he scores then it’s easier for the team when you have a player in your squad who is a guarantee for goals.”
Rashford, who hit a career-high 30 goals during the 2022-23 season, struggled last year with just eight goals, but his recent performances have reignited his confidence.
Ten Hag acknowledged that confidence plays a major role in a striker’s success: “Confidence is a big part of it, it is not everything, there are also other parts but confidence is a big part and I think Rashford is a big guy.”
Ten Hag was also keen to highlight that goalscoring responsibilities shouldn’t rest solely on Rashford’s shoulders.
“I’m not only expecting this from Marcus Rashford, I expect it from others who are in the prime of their career but we also have some others who are high potentials, they are very hungry to score goals. But more important they want to win, to win games and win trophies.”
While Rashford grabbed headlines, there were other impressive displays against Barnsley, with Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen scoring two goals each, and Antony adding a penalty.
Ten Hag praised the team’s performance: “We scored some great goals, starting with Marcus Rashford which was a brilliant goal, but I’d also say some other goals were really good.”
He emphasised the importance of team shape and attitude, saying: “The key was finding the shape and, of course, the right attitude. We were 100 per cent concentrated and we certainly played very good.”
Additionally, Ten Hag gave Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte his full debut. “I think he was good. Once we got the right shape, then you see his level and he can really strengthen the squad and the team.”
Ten Hag will be hoping Rashford’s resurgence and the team’s cohesion continue to deliver results as United’s season progresses.
