‘Highly motivated’ – Ten Hag convinced Rashford can use England omission as fuel

Marcus Rashford has faced criticism from all angles this season – for his behaviour both on and off the pitch – but Erik ten Hag has continued to back his man.

To his credit, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag remains aware that this is a forward who returned 30 goals last season, so he has backed him publicly whenever questioned on the matter.

Rashford has also had plenty of game time to turn his form around, in the season leading up to Euro 2024, so he can have no real complaints when he’s sat enjoying his holiday somewhere tropical this summer instead of competing at an international tournament.

The 26-year-old was left out of Southgate’s 33-man provisional squad for this summer’s European Championship in Germany, which was announced on Tuesday.

Gareth Southgate’s decision to omit Rashford from his England squad will come as a blow to the United forward, but Ten Hag believes his player can use it as “fuel” to perform.

When asked about Rashford’s frame of mind ahead of the FA Cup final against Man City on Saturday, Ten Hag said: “He looks good. That is a career – ups and downs, a down can also give fuel and that is what I see in training, he will be highly motivated, speak with your feet, highly intelligent, he has had a big career, I’m sure he will get over this and get more goals.”

As always, Ten Hag is standing by Rashford.

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw got a got despite missing most of the due to injury. That might be something that should send off alarm bells.