Erik ten Hag lauded “elite” Marcus Rashford after the forward’s 100th Manchester United goal – but the manager warned that his side’s lack of control in the second half made the victory “a tennis match”.
Rashford’s 38th-minute winner was his seventh of the season, and Ten Hag was asked if he can become an elite forward.
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“He already is,” Ten Hag said. “If you score 100 for Manchester United before you are 25. But it’s about trophies to win with your club, and I think he can develop even more.
“Two headers [in consecutive games]: we’ve worked a lot on that, we had to improve, and you see what’s happening. He is much more consistent and resilient – already a great player but still room for improvement. Where it will end [his career] who knows, but I am sure it will be great.”
Rashford’s goal came on the 85th anniversary of United’s youth system providing a player for every matchday squad. “The header was a hammer from Marcus,” Ten Hag said.
“It’s so great as a player out of the academy, a striker gets his 100th goal on the 85th anniversary so he is really representing Man United. Tomorrow [Monday] is his 25th birthday, a great present I would say.”
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The manager was less enthused regarding United’s second-half performance. “It turned into, I call it a tennis match, one end to the other – but we have great defenders, and a great keeper,” he said.
Towards the end David de Gea made two standout saves and Harry Maguire, returning to the league starting XI for the first time since August, made a late block from Jarrod Bowen.
Rashford’s goal came in front of the England manager, Gareth Southgate. “I am pleased that I have managed to score and it’s always good to score regardless of whether Gareth is watching or not,” the forward said.
