Erik ten Hag names two things Marcus Rashford needs amid Manchester United criticism

Erik ten Hag says Marcus Rashford must both be supported and pushed if he is to overcome his recent struggles at Manchester United.

The 26-year-old has struggled for form across the entire campaign, with just eight goals in 40 appearances across all competitions. It marks a dramatic fall-off after he was United's talisman with 30 goals across the entirety of last season.

As well as his on the pitch struggles this season, Rashford was criticised for his ill-timed birthday celebrations hours after the Manchester derby defeat to Man City and his night out in Belfast, hours before reporting himself as too ill to attend training.

The academy graduate has been heavily criticised amid the struggles and took to social media on Thursday night to say the 'abuse' had gone on for months and it was a case of 'enough is enough' now.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Ten Hag was quizzed on the treatment of Rashford and what he made of the situation.

“I have a lot of sympathy for Rashy,” the United manager said. “Last year, he had a brilliant season, the best season in his career. He scored 30 goals. You see what he's capable of. 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.”