‘He knows’ - Erik ten Hag explains what Marcus Rashford must do to regain his place in Man Utd side

Erik ten Hag has said Marcus Rashford must ‘take responsibility’ if he is to regain his place in the Manchester United team.

The forward has started 17 of the club’s 25 matches so far this term but hasn't been selected in the last four games. In his place, Alejandro Garnacho has impressed in patches from the left-hand side and has started the last 11 encounters.

It’s expected that the 19-year-old will once again play from the left against West Ham United on Saturday, meaning Rashford’s position is uncertain. The England international scored 30 goals in all competitions last season but has managed just two this campaign and has received criticism for his workrate and application at times.

Speaking ahead of the trip to the London Stadium, Ten Hag seemed to imply it’s in Rashford’s hands if he wants to force his way back into the side.

“He's training well,” said the Dutchman. “It can always be better, but I think he's such an experienced player.

“He's mid-20s, but he's a very experienced player, and he knows how top football works. He knows he has to take the responsibility and I'm sure he will do that and he will line up [in the team].

“He was ill last week, so that's why he didn't start against Bayern Munich and also why he didn't start against Liverpool,” the Dutchman added. “Also, I must say that Garnacho is doing very good in the last month, so there's internal competition.”

It follows similar comments made by Ten Hag two weeks ago, when he compared Rashford’s situation to those of Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay, who forced their way back into the manager’s plans earlier this campaign.

“[It’s] what I said about Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire: up to them,” Ten Hag said. “The team will always line themselves up and the best players who form the best team will play. So Rashford is an incredibly good player.”

United’s attacking woes have been one of the team’s biggest issues this season and between them Rashford, Anthony Martial, Antony, Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund have scored four league goals all campaign, three of which came in the same match.

But Ten Hag insisted he still backs his forwards. “I'm always very supportive of players and I know, especially front players, they need more trust and support from a manager.

“I have a strong belief in Hojlund and in Rashford that they are capable of scoring a lot of goals. Rashford, last year under me, he proved he can score many goals when he's at his best - he will score many goals.

“I have a similar feeling and opinion about Hojlund, because he has shown in the Champions League, at the highest level, that he's scoring goals. We have to work as a group, as a team, on our attacking game, but they are capable of scoring a lot of goals.”

United head to the London Stadium in seventh place and, despite their disappointing form this season, could be just three points behind the Champions League places on Christmas Day if they can come back with a victory on Saturday.