Erik ten Hag has backed Marcus Rashford to have a breakthrough goal-scoring season after the striker ended his six-month drought on Saturday after enduring criticism from his own fans.
Rashford went 13 games without a goal before netting in the 41st minute in Manchester United's 3-0 Premier League win over promoted Southampton, his first since a 2-0 win over Everton on March 9.
Although Ten Hag had been questioned about starting Rashford, he said before Saturday's game that the 26-year-old only needed a goal or an assist to “fly”.
Ten Hag can only hope the positive afternoon really opens the floodgates for his striker, who only scored eight goals in all competitions last season after netting 30 in 2022-23, Ten Hag’s debut season in Manchester.
“It's very important,” the manager said after Saturday's win that gave United six points after four Premier League games.
“Every striker wants to be on the scoring list. Once the first one is in, more come. One striker once talked about a bottle of ketchup: once it's in, more come.”
Individual training during the recent international break has paid off for striker Rashford.
He was left out of England's squad for Euro 2024 and was then left out of the squad for wins over Finland and the Republic of Ireland.
After being criticised for a slow start to the season, he remained in Manchester during the break to work with RH Elite Coaching and spent much of the time doing finishing drills.
Rashford was left unmarked on United's short corner in the 41st minute on Saturday, deflecting a diagonal shot towards the far post.
New signing Matthijs de Ligt and Alejandro Garnacho scored United's other goals, while goalkeeper André Onana saved Cameron Archer's penalty that proved the turning point.
Ten Hag's men have no time to rest on their laurels after their much-needed win. They host Barnsley in the League Cup on Tuesday.
