Hughes’ delight at Rashford returns
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mark Hughes is delighted Marcus Rashford is back to his brilliant best.
And the Welshman, a two-time Premier League winner, has stressed the striker’s critics were too eager to doubt him.
England hitman Rashford has bagged 12 goals in his last 14 games in all competitions for United in a welcome upturn in form.
And the forward, 25, has already bagged 11 in the Premier League this season.
“Looking from the outside I always keep a watchful eye on United – and strikers in particular,” said Hughes.
“And there were times when Marcus clearly didn’t look like he was enjoying his football.
“Whether or not that was down to his career and all of his interests, I don’t know.
“But the change now is great to see, he’s scoring goals and he’s got a huge smile on his face.
“He’s obviously in a good place. When you’re in a good place off the pitch then you can perform better on it.”
Off the pitch, Rashford has worked tirelessly with a string of charities to help give homeless people essential items and also help deliver a scheme for free school meals.
The player was awarded an MBE for his charity work, even though he was criticised in some quarters when his form faltered with so many outside interests.
Hughes added: “I know from my own experience, when you burst on the scene there’s a lot of outside distractions that come towards you.
“It’s not just about the football, you have to get that balance right.
“He was maybe feeling the pressure of his lifestyle.
“It was maybe his life balance that he had to get right for him to perform better.”