Rashford's Struggles: Can Ten Hag Find the Key?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, March 16th 2026 at 15:48 GMT by BBC
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The Rashford Revival: Can Ten Hag Unlock Manchester United's Lost Star?

Manchester United find themselves at a critical juncture, and the form of Marcus Rashford is proving to be a defining factor in their struggles. Once a beacon of hope and a prolific goalscorer, Rashford has experienced a startling dip in performance, leaving manager Erik ten Hag with a significant challenge: how to reignite the spark in a player vital to United's ambitions. The situation demands more than just a pep talk; it requires a strategic overhaul and a deep understanding of what unlocked Rashford's potential in the first place.

Last season, Rashford exploded onto the scene, netting a remarkable 17 Premier League goals - a feat not seen from a United player since Robin van Persie in the 2012-13 season. His total tally of 30 goals across all competitions cemented his status as a genuine world-class talent, offering genuine excitement to the Old Trafford faithful. However, the current campaign paints a drastically different picture. A meager three Premier League goals in 20 appearances is a stark decline, and it's undeniably contributing to United's disappointing 15th-place standing in the Premier League and their early exit from Champions League contention.

Multiple factors are at play. While acknowledging the personal issues that surfaced following Rashford's trip to Thailand and the subsequent media attention, attributing his slump solely to off-field distractions would be an oversimplification. Ten Hag has rightfully stated his intention to address these issues with Rashford, but a conversation alone won't suffice. The root of the problem appears to be a confluence of personal challenges and a tactical mismatch between Rashford's strengths and the demands of Ten Hag's system.

Comparing Rashford's performance under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals a key contrast. Solskjaer afforded Rashford a considerable degree of tactical freedom, allowing him to roam, exploit spaces, and express his individual creativity. This freedom fostered a confidence that translated directly into goals and impactful performances. Under Ten Hag, Rashford appears more constrained, seemingly hesitant to take the risks and make the incisive runs that characterized his game last season. The current system, while undoubtedly structured and tactically sound, may be inadvertently stifling Rashford's natural flair.

Ten Hag now faces a crucial decision. He can stubbornly adhere to his pre-defined tactical framework, hoping Rashford will eventually adapt and rediscover his form. This is a risky strategy, given United's current predicament and the player's dwindling confidence. Alternatively, Ten Hag can demonstrate flexibility and tailor his tactics to better utilize Rashford's strengths. This would require a degree of compromise, potentially adjusting the system to allow Rashford more freedom within a structured environment.

This adjustment doesn't necessitate abandoning Ten Hag's core principles. Instead, it requires a nuanced understanding of Rashford's game. Perhaps a slight shift in formation, allowing Rashford to drift inside from a wider position, could create more opportunities. Or perhaps empowering him to take on defenders more frequently, trusting his dribbling ability to unlock defenses, would be beneficial. The key is to create an environment where Rashford feels empowered to express himself, much like he did under Solskjaer.

The stakes are high. United's season is rapidly spiraling, and Rashford's form is undeniably a major contributing factor. Reviving Rashford isn't simply about getting one player back on track; it's about injecting much-needed energy and attacking threat into a team desperately lacking both. It's about reigniting the potential that made him one of the most exciting young talents in European football. A rejuvenated Rashford could be the catalyst for a late-season push, offering a glimmer of hope for Champions League qualification or a significant trophy challenge. Failure to address this issue, however, could prolong United's struggles and potentially lead to a further decline in their league position, increasing pressure on both the player and the manager.

Ultimately, Ten Hag's legacy at Manchester United may well be defined by his ability to unlock Marcus Rashford's potential once again. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he can successfully navigate this challenge and restore Rashford to his former glory.