‘He needs support’ - Ten Hag sympathises with Rashford after continued criticism

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has backed under-fire forward Marcus Rashford after the Englishman revealed he has been on the receiving end of abuse for months. 

The 26-year-old revealed on X in the early hours of Friday that he has had to endure abuse for months, leading to Ten Hag’s standing up for his star forward. 

Speaking in a press conference on Friday, the Dutchman sympathised with the England international, whose form has dipped this term after a commendable 2022-23. 

“I have a lot of sympathy for Rashy. Last year, he had a brilliant season, the best season in his career, 30 goals," said the Manchester United boss. “This season he didn’t give the performances and then people are very critical. 

“I think we have to back him. Everyone should back him and push him to get back to the levels he was at last year.  I think he needs support. 

“We all know what he’s capable of. We all have to support but also to push him. He can do better than he is doing this year and we have seen that last year when he was really brilliant.” 

The Red Devils host Burnley on Saturday, keen to hold on to sixth in the Premier League table by avoiding defeat against Vincent Kompany's men at Old Trafford.