For Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, this will arguably be one of the most important seasons of his career to date.
While it is typical to say that at the start of every new campaign, Rashford comes into the 2024/25 season having missed England’s call-up to Euro 2024 and after one of his worst Premier League performances since making his debut.
The United veteran contributed just nine goals and assists, a figure the striker has bettered in five of his last six seasons.
Ten Hag: Once you score one, the goals will come.
In United’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, Rashford had two great chances to give Erik ten Hag’s side the lead.
This had everything, except the ending. @ManUtd ?#CommunityShield photo.twitter.com/QkoK1GdYvl
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) August 10, 2024
Alejandro Garnacho’s introduction from the bench was necessary to give United the spark they needed, before they conceded a goal moments later.
Bernardo Silva was left unmarked inside the box and headed past Andre Onana to send the match to penalties. City eventually won the shoot-out after Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans missed their efforts.
But the Community Shield is an opportunity for players to gain fitness and match sharpness and for coaches to assess players.
In his post-match interview, Ten Hag gave his analysis of Rashford’s performance.
“I think he was in some really good positions a few times,” Ten Hag said. “I’m really happy that he’s in those positions. Keep it up, keep making those moves and the team will do it, he’ll score goals.”
“He has enough experience to deal with this and once he scores one, then the goals will come.”
Ten Hag was then asked to comment on potential new arrivals Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
To which he said: “When we have any news we will announce it.
“Until then, we will work with the squad that is available. It is clear that we have problems and we have to work. The players have to work to be available and the coaching staff has to work. Together, there must be good collaboration with the players who are available.”
