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Erik ten Hag’s faith in Marcus Rashford has paid off, but is there more to come from the forward?

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has been in staggering form this season.

With 28 goal involvements across all competitions, Rashford has been the backbone of an in-form United squad. Manager Erik ten Hag has worked wonders with the 25-year-old.

With his goal against Leeds United in the recently concluded Premier League clash, the England international reached 20 goals for the season.

Keeping in mind that his previous highest tally in a season was 22 (2019-20 season), Rashford will most probably surpass that and set new personal records at Old Trafford. 

His performances this season have fired him into the same discussion as the elite forwards in Europe.

Since the start of the new year, Rashford already has more goal contributions (13) than his peers in the Premier League – Harry Kane (5) and Erling Braut Haaland (4). He is also one of the best-performing forwards in the world this season.

Along with his goalscoring acumen, the forward seems to be more confident and is playing with a smile on his face.

He seems determined to prove his doubters wrong, an approach that has helped him win the Player of the Month award in the league in January.

However, the sensational performances have only furthered fans’ expectations of the youngster making it big in a United shirt.

There is hope among the Red Devils faithful that he will further his performances once Ten Hag can fully implement his imprint on the current squad. 

Ten Hag’s managerial style will benefit Marcus Rashford in the long run

Ten Hag is a father figure for many of United’s young guns. Since taking charge last summer, the former Ajax manager has injected his personality and style into the squad, a factor previously lacking.

Under the Dutchman, there is not only great desire and ambition but also the willingness to play for the badge and never accept defeat.

This was apparent during United’s latest game against Leeds United. Despite being 2-0 down, the team fought back to secure a 2-2 draw. 

Ironically the two scorers in the gritty comeback – Rashford and Jadon Sancho – have also been two of the most criticised players in the squad.

Ten Hag has ensured that the two stars remained away from the spotlight while focusing on their games.

Rashford has delivered glorious performances day in and day out, while Sancho cemented a spectacular return to action by scoring against Leeds.

With the manager’s focus firmly on improvement, both as a team and individually, Rashford’s time at the top of the footballing world is only starting. 

The arrival of Benni McCarthy, among other Manchester United staff, has improved Rashford as a striker, with a focus on his heading and finishing. 

The ‘fit to a T’ approach that Ten Hag has brought in is only the beginning of the rise of several talented youngsters at United.

Facundo Pellistri, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Zidane Iqbal and others will be eager to follow in Rashford’s footsteps.