Manchester United Manager Emphasizes Importance of Lifestyle Choices for Consistent Performance
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has advised Marcus Rashford to maintain a disciplined lifestyle if he wants to continue his recent return to form. Rashford, who scored three goals in United’s last two matches against Southampton and Barnsley, has shown flashes of the performance level that saw him net 30 goals during Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford.
However, the 26-year-old forward’s form suffered a noticeable decline last season after signing a lucrative £300,000-a-week contract. He was criticized by Ten Hag for missing a training session following a reported 12-hour tequila binge in Belfast and for going nightclubbing after United’s defeat in the Manchester derby last October.
Ahead of United’s match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, Ten Hag was asked if Rashford had learned from these experiences. “I think he always knew, and every player knows, because when your lifestyle is not right, you can’t perform,” Ten Hag responded. “You don’t get the right levels when you don’t have a good and disciplined life away from Carrington.”
The Dutch manager acknowledged that Rashford has benefited from the support and guidance provided by the club, including from assistant coach and former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. “Probably he needed some help, by backing him, for instance,” Ten Hag said. “But at the end of the day, he has to do it by himself. He has to set his life right, his training attitude right, his match attitude right. When he sets his professionalism, he will perform because he is a class player.”
Ten Hag expressed confidence in Rashford’s resilience, noting his ability to bounce back from setbacks and take control of his career. “He has started the season very well. Now he has to continue and progress,” the manager added.
Rashford is also aiming for an England recall when interim manager Lee Carsley announces the squad for next month’s Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland. While Ten Hag declined to comment on Rashford’s international prospects, he said, “I think he will always be an option for every manager, but it is not up to me.”
As United looks to build on their recent performances, Ten Hag’s message to Rashford is clear: discipline and professionalism off the pitch are key to achieving success on it.
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