Erik ten Hag offered his evaluation of Marcus Rashford’s return to the Manchester United starting lineup and shared his thoughts on the team’s overall performance in the exhilarating 4-3 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Last week, Rashford’s absence from United’s 4-2 win over Newport County due to an “internal disciplinary matter” raised eyebrows, with images of the player in Belfast sparking scrutiny. United addressed the issue internally, stating Rashford had taken responsibility.
Upon Rashford’s return against Wolves, he promptly scored with his third touch of the game, earning praise from Ten Hag for a “fantastic team goal.” Ten Hag noted Rashford’s consistent form, stating, “In the last games, he has three goals and two assists in three or four games, so the form is coming.”
While Rashford’s goal was a positive highlight, attention also turned to Kobbie Mainoo, whose sensational 97th-minute wonder goal secured the dramatic 4-3 victory.
Ten Hag commended Mainoo’s progress, describing him as a “modern midfield player” with attacking and defensive capabilities, intelligence, physicality, and composure.
Despite individual successes, Ten Hag expressed mixed feelings about the team’s overall performance. While acknowledging the excitement for spectators, he admitted, “As a manager, when you have dominated for an hour and should be three or four up, the way we concede the goals, we should manage it better; it cannot happen.”
The manager’s reflections underscore the contrasting emotions experienced when witnessing thrilling moments and areas needing improvement. The victory prompts a critical assessment of defensive lapses and the need for more effective management in certain situations.
