LAST SEASON WAS SO TOUGH BUT WE’RE ON THE UP AGAIN
Rashford sees light at the end of the tunnel
MARCUS RASHFORD has urged Manchester United’s fans to forget last week’s humiliating derby demolition – because he’s convinced the club’s on the up again under Erik ten Hag.
Rashford admitted that he has found it tough to cope with United’s poor performances over the last 12 months, but feels the 6-3 thrashing at rivals City will not destroy the progress the Red Devils have made under their new Dutch boss.
The England striker cut an unhappy figure as first Ole Gunnar Solskjaer then Ralf Rangnick failed to halt United’s slide last season.
But he has scored five of United’s 16 goals all told under Ten Hag – and believes better times are ahead.
Rashford said: “At the end of the day, we are all players and we all like to win games. That’s why we play for Man United.
“So, yes, there were times I was very disappointed last season, but that’s normal.
“Ask any player – they are not happy if they are losing or drawing games. We have such high expectations of ourselves.
“But I think we are definitely improving.
“There are things we need to tighten up on and improve on, and the last game in the league wasn’t good enough by anyone’s standards – we did let people down. It was a bit embarrassing after the game. But these results can happen and the only way to come back is to win your next game.
“The new manager has got a very clear identity, and a way of playing. It makes it easier to adapt to him.
“I felt this in pre-season. He got his messages across quickly and directly, and the players took those messages on board.
“It is still early days, but the more we get to know him, the better we will become – and the more he gets to know us, as well. I’m just looking forward to winning games.”
Rashford, substituted on the hour at the Etihad, came off the bench at half-time on Thursday night to score twice in the 3-2 Europa League win at Cypriot minnows Omonia. His decisive second goal for 3-1 came via an assist from Cristiano Ronaldo, who has spent most of the season on the bench after trying to engineer his Old Trafford departure.
Now, United face a tough test against rejuvenated Everton at Goodison Park. And Rashford said: “Ronaldo is an unbelievable player – and he’s been that ever since I watched him as a youngster.
“It is a joy to play with him. We can keep building and when he starts scoring goals, he won’t stop.
“We just have to try and keep putting the ball in positions when he’s in front of goal.
“After a game like the City one, it doesn’t matter who you play or where you play, it is just important to win. But we will have to be a lot better on the ball and show a much higher intensity at Everton.”
Rashford turns 25 at the end of this month and is now one of United’s senior players after breaking into the team in spectacular fashion almost seven years ago. But injuries and a loss of form have cost him starting roles for both club and country.
Another knock meant he missed out on England’s squad last month and faces a fight to make the World Cup.
Rashford said: “I’ve played a lot of games for the club and experienced a lot of different things playing in a Manchester United shirt.
“I want to be fit and available for as many games as I can, so it was disappointing to pick up the injury because I felt I was playing well and improving.
“It wasn’t a good time for me to get injured – but there’s never a good time to be injured.”
Rashford added:
“Everton have been doing better this season, playing well. It is definitely going to be an intense game.
“I have been to Goodison Park and won a few times – but I have also been there and come away disappointed.
“Hopefully, it can be a good performance and a big win.”