Erik ten Hag explains reason behind Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United resurgence

Marcus Rashford has been in superb form for Manchester United since the return of the Premier League in late December.

He has scored five and assisted one in United’s last six league outings under Erik ten Hag.

His latest goal came in the 3-2 loss to Arsenal last weekend. Rashford opened the scoring with a stunning solo goal but Arsenal were able to come from behind to earn the win.

Now, Erik ten Hag has been discussing why the forward has improved so much of late:

“I’m not Harry Potter!” Ten Hag laughed at his press conference ahead of United’s FA Cup fourth round tie with Reading on Saturday. “It’s just confidence. Every player has to make and get his own confidence.

“He (Rashford) fought for this, he invested in this. Of course with my coaching staff, we bring in structures, especially in the way of play that give him routines that he needs to get into the right position.

“But finally, it’s up to him, to the player, and when the player has the confidence then I’m convinced, in the way we are working - the way of play is most important but also the environment and the culture are also important - then the player can perform at his best.

“It’s obvious that Marcus at this moment is in really good shape, really good form. I think from day to day, from training to training, from game to game, the routines are coming in. The frontline now also gives me a positive feeling, it’s getting stronger as well, and then they can take more benefit from each other.

“In the first (half of the) season, for instance, we had many problems in the frontline. Often we had games where we didn’t have players who were 100 per cent physically and mentally fit. Now that’s much more the case and Marcus can take even more benefit from such situations.”

Manchester United vs Reading betting tips: FA Cup preview prediction and odds

Cremonese vs Inter Milan betting tips: Serie A preview, prediction and odds