Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has insisted that "incredible" Marcus Rashford will overcome his struggles to become a vital player for the Red Devils once again.
The England international has only scored twice in 19 appearances for the 20-time English champions during the 2023-24 campaign, with just one of those coming from open play.
Rashford was dropped from the starting lineup for the first time this season for Man United's Premier League clash with Chelsea on Wednesday evening, and the two starting wide players - Alejandro Garnacho and Antony - impressed in the home side's 2-1 success at Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old is again likely to find himself out of the XI for Saturday's Premier League clash with Bournemouth, but Ten Hag has insisted that he remains fully behind the club's academy product, naming Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay as two players who have bounced back from struggles.
© Reuters
"So Rashford is an incredible, good player. You can't do it with 11 players, he can't play every game, he's not in this moment in the form he was last year but I am sure he will get there," the Man United head coach told reporters on Friday afternoon.
"What I said about Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire: up to them. The team will always line themselves up and the best players who form the best team will play.
"I think we have a squad and in the squad there is internal comp, if you want a successful season you need more than 11 players. Finally, in every season, it will turn and in every season it's what is the best team.
"They (McTominay and Maguire) are here, they are great players and played into the team. That's what you expect from every player, there has to be dedication to aim for this.
"As manager, my coaches, with the rest of the staff, we always consider but the next game is always the most important, especially in the Premier League where everyone is killing everyone, you need a strong team."
© Reuters
Ten Hag also said that he is expecting a tough test from Bournemouth this weekend, with the Cherries arriving at Old Trafford on the back of a run of three wins from their last four Premier League matches, remaining unbeaten in the process.
"I think they have very good form, Bournemouth, we have seen them, it's a very good side, very good constructed, capable players, again you have to play your best," added the manager.
"Everyone is killing everyone, you have to be 100% ready as a team for that game, that's our job to do, to get there."
Man United have won nine and lost six of their 15 Premier League matches this season, with a total of 27 points leaving them in sixth spot in the table, three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.
Matt Law
