Erik ten Hag told Marcus Rashford problem at Manchester United

The Manchester United forward has been in top form this season but has been quiet in recent weeks.

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince believes this season’s reliance on Marcus Rashford’s goals is excessive, with other attackers failing to produce.

Rashford is having the best season of his career, with 27 goals in all competitions already a personal best with two months and up to 18 games remaining. While his incredible numbers are encouraging, the fact that he has scored more than three times as many goals as anyone else at United is concerning – Bruno Fernandes is the only other player in double figures with ten.

It also presents Erik ten Hag with the challenge of finding goals when Rashford isn’t on form, as was the case in Sunday’s loss at Newcastle. Wout Weghorst was signed on loan in January to help with scoring, but despite starting 19 consecutive games, the Dutchman has only scored two goals.

Ince told Sportingpost, “Every manager wants to do more in the window.” “Every coach wishes to bring in more players. Sometimes it’s impossible to get the players you want in January because clubs won’t let them go. Given the ability to bring him in on loan, Weghorst could have been one of a few options for him.

“When he was at Burnley, he didn’t score many goals, and based on his performances, he isn’t a natural goal scorer. He’s had many good chances to score, which tells me he’s not a goal-scoring machine like Harry Kane or Cristiano Ronaldo, and he’s not prolific.

“He comes short, holds it up, and connects well with the midfield.” That’s why Rashford’s goal-scoring performance has been critical. When Marcus is taken out of the game, as Newcastle did, Manchester United struggles to score or create goals.

“When compared to the number of goals scored by Bruno Fernandes last year, there aren’t many goal scorers on the team this year. Their reliance on Rashford is palpable, and I’m sure Ten Hag would like to see others contribute, such as Anthony, Sancho, and Martial. I think it’s difficult, but as time passes, Ten Hag discovers where he wants to go, what needs to change, and what doesn’t.”