Manchester United transfer news: why Rashford is Ten Hag’s answer to the Ronaldo problem

Cristiano to leave? 

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is hoping to use the arrival of new manager Erik ten Hag as a “fresh start” at the club, after a number of disappointing seasons with the Old Trafford side. The England international, whose market value has dropped from €85 million in December 2021 to just €60 million today, struggled to find his best form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and then Ralf Rangnick but believes he could bounce back under Ten Hag. 

“I think we can do a lot together,” said Rashford, speaking to the English media on Thursday. “For me it is a fresh start and something that I am looking forward to. I think the first two, two-and-a-half weeks of training have been good; we have improved a lot and we are a lot fitter than we were last season. I know we are still making mistakes along the way but we have a lot of room for improvement. I am in a good place right now and I am looking forward to getting more games under my belt and getting ready for the season.”

Not only will Rashford’s positive words about the club’s new owners be music to the ears of Man Utd fans around the world, but so too will the striker’s determination to get back to his former form with the side. Because in many ways the 24-year-old forward could prove to be a vital member of Ten Hag’s team if they are to succeed this season and get back into the Premier League top four. 

The man to replace Ronaldo – Rashford to get back to scoring goals

Indeed, it wasn’t so long ago that Rashford was the darling of the English top-flight, providing goals and assists aplenty for the Red Devils and considered one of the most promising young players in European football. For example, in the 2019/20 season Rashford bagged 17 goals and nine assists in 31 league games and then a further 22 goals and assets in 37 league games the following season. 

It’s that kind of clinical finishing or creativity in front of goal that Ten Hag’s side will need next season. Not only have the club struggled to sign a new No.9 akin to Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez or Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, but they may also have to contend with Cristiano Ronaldo either leaving the club or being extremely troubled by having to stay put in Manchester for a further season. In Rashford, the Red Devils can conveniently replace Ronaldo and save themselves a fortune in the process. All Ten Hag needs to do is get the young player scoring goals like he once did. 

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