Erik ten Hag has warned that Marcus Rashford must maintain a proper lifestyle if he is to return to his best at Manchester United.
Rashford has scored three times in United’s last two games against Southampton and Barnsley, recapturing some of the form that saw him score 30 goals in Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford.
But the 26-year-old’s form dropped alarmingly last season after signing a new £300,000-a-week contract, and he was censured by Ten Hag for missing training after a 12-hour tequila binge in Belfast and for going to a nightclub after United lost the Manchester derby in October.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Ten Hag was asked if Rashford has learned from the experience.
He replied: ‘I think he always knew that, and all players know that, because when your lifestyle is not right you cannot perform.
Erik ten Hag has warned that Marcus Rashford (pictured) must maintain the right lifestyle if he wants to return to his best.
Rashford had a difficult season with United last season, but is showing more promise this season.
The United winger opened his Premier League account in his side’s recent 3-0 win over Southampton.
‘You don’t get to the right levels when you don’t have a good, disciplined life away from Carrington.’
Rashford has benefited from the support of Ten Hag and the guidance of his assistant, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
“He probably needed some help, supporting him for example,” added the United manager.
‘In the end, he has to do it on his own. He has to fix his life, his attitude in training, his attitude in matches. When he achieves professionalism, he will perform because he is a class player.
“Marcus Rashford knows how to bounce back when things go wrong, how to get his career back on track, his performances. He’s taken control and I think he’s getting back on track. He’s started the season very well, now he has to keep going and progress.”
The 26-year-old’s performances dipped alarmingly last season after signing a new £300,000-a-week contract.
Rashford missed training after a 12-hour tequila binge in Belfast and went to a club after United lost the Manchester derby in October 2023
The striker scored twice in United’s 7-0 Carabao Cup win over Barnsley on Tuesday.
Rashford pictured at a celebratory event with friends, posing for the camera away from the football pitch.
Rashford will be hoping for an England call-up when caretaker manager Lee Carsley names his squad for next month’s Nations League games against Greece and Finland.
Ten Hag said: “I think it will always be an option for any coach, but it’s not up to me.”