Earlier on Friday, Marcus Rashford gave a clear message about incitement aimed at him recently, and at Friday’s press conference, Erik ten Hag was asked about the message, as well as the form of the attacking player.
And the Dutchman does not hide that it has been a difficult season for the 26-year-old, who was the team’s most important offensive piece last season.
– I have a lot of sympathy for Rashy, of course. Last year he had a brilliant season. It was probably his best season in his career, and he scored 30 goals, says Ten Hag.
– This season he has not had the same performances and people have been very critical. We have to support him and everyone should back him to get him back to the level he showed last year.
– He needs the support. We all know what he is capable of, so we all have to support and push him. He can do better than this year. We saw it last year when he was really brilliant, says Ten Hag.
Against incitement: – Enough is enough
Rashford was reportedly booed when he came off the pitch injured against Coventry, as was Antony when he was substituted against Sheffield United on Wednesday.
When asked how his players can “win back” the fans, and whether it can only be done on the pitch, Ten Hag replies:
– The fans are always behind us. When we enter Old Trafford, I hear the reception. On Wednesday it was also louder than I have heard (in the past), and even away they are always supportive of the team. There is a very good connection between the team and the fans, says Ten Hag.
Something positive to take away from the last few months is that this United team has started to find form in front of goal.
At the back of the pitch, however, the opponents constantly exploit large spaces, create chances, and far too many goals are also conceded.
When asked where Ten Hag would like to see improvement in the sprint, he has no doubts.
– It is especially without the ball. We must be better organised, more disciplined and play with a higher intensity.
– So we must continue to do the same with the ball, because we have had a big improvement this season in the attacking game, scoring a lot of goals. The difference from the first half of the season and the second is enormous, so we have developed the way we attack, says Ten Hag.
Ten Hag believes that the biggest reason for the problems at the back of the field is primarily due to the many changes in defense as a result of injuries.
– The most important (reason) now is the back four. We haven’t had a regular back four. We’ve made so many changes there, and have had so many different partnerships.
Several are calling for a clearer pattern in playing style regardless of all the injuries and rotations, but that is probably easier said than done, Ten Hag believes.
– It is difficult, I know that from experience. Partnerships are so important. In top football, most things are decided within a very short time, and in partnerships both know where to run in relation to each other. They have the right understanding of each other.
