Rashford is a player who has been highly regarded by Manchester United, scoring 30 goals and providing 9 assists in the 2022-23 season, making it one of the most impressive seasons of his career. However, last season saw Rashford’s form plummet, managing only 8 goals. This poor form seems to have carried over into the new season. Since the start of the new season, Rashford has started in the Community Shield and the first two rounds of the Premier League, but has not made much impact on the team’s offensive end.
The third round of the Premier League will feature the highly anticipated Double Red Clash, with Manchester United hosting Liverpool at Old Trafford. Ahead of the Double Red Clash, Liverpool legend Souness specifically mentioned Rashford: “Up to now, I don’t think Rashford’s career at Manchester United can be described as great. Undoubtedly, Rashford is a very promising player, but if he plays in the Double Red Clash this weekend, it may be a burden for both him and Manchester United. When I see Rashford, I don’t think about those goals or speed; what I think about is how he was jogging slowly when playing against Luton last season.”
As Souness pointed out, for a long time, Rashford’s competitive form, goal-scoring efficiency, and match focus have been criticized and questioned by the outside world. However, Ten Hag still seems willing to believe in Rashford. In the new season, Ten Hag has given Rashford plenty of opportunities, hoping to activate him. One of the main reasons Ten Hag is willing to believe in Rashford is that Rashford is currently receiving special training.
According to British media reports, since the legendary Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy joined the coaching staff, one of his most important tasks has been to mentor Rashford, focusing on improving Rashford’s goal-scoring instinct and changing his running habits within the penalty area, aiming to help Rashford regain his goal-scoring form.
From 2001 to 2007, Van Nistelrooy played for Manchester United, scoring 150 goals and providing 30 assists in 219 matches, winning a series of titles including the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup, and being awarded the Premier League Player of the Year and Top Scorer among others.