Manchester United has conducted an interview with Ajax manager Erik ten Hag in the hopes of appointing him as the club’s next permanent manager in the summer.
United are speeding up their hunt for their next manager over the two-week international break, according to the MEN on Wednesday, with Ten Hag having talked to club executives earlier in the week. United’s favourite candidate to take over in the summer is now the Dutchman, but the club has not made a definitive decision as it continues its search.
Inevitably, United fans have started debating the techniques Ten Hag would use at Old Trafford and how his arrival might affect certain key players at the club. Marcus Rashford has been one of the guys who has dominated such debates.
Rashford has had a disappointing year at Manchester United. His performance dipped noticeably in the second half of last season, though it was anticipated he’d bounce back this season after undergoing surgery for a shoulder problem that had bothered him for much of the previous campaign.
The surgery was performed in August, and the 24-year-old was unable to work until mid-October. Rashford has scored three goals in four games since his comeback, leading many to believe we’re set to witness the best version of the United striker once more.
Rashford’s form, on the other hand, immediately deteriorated, and he has only scored twice since then. Rashford’s lack of goals, as well as the uninspired tone of his overall performances, has given United great concern, and it was later stated that he was contemplating his future at the club.
Despite his poor form, Ralf Rangnick has remained supportive of the 24-year-old, stating at the start of the month that he will devote all of his energy to helping him return to his best. “With Marcus Rashford, we have another player (with whom I have consistently supported and with whom I will work to develop).”
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“We’ve seen it happen before with other players, and I don’t see why it shouldn’t happen with Marcus.” He’s got a lot of talent, a lot of speed, M a lot of physicality. He possesses all of the characteristics of a modern striker, regardless of whether he plays on the wing or in the center. I’ll devote all of my efforts to assisting him in following in the footsteps of previous players over the last three months.”
Rangnick’s statements will undoubtedly have reassured Rashford, but there is now a larger concern about what will happen after Rangnick steps down as United’s interim manager. Should Ten Hag arrive, he will undoubtedly seek to give each member of the squad an opportunity to shine. However, other players, like as Rashford, may find it difficult to adapt.
This is also due to the fact that Rashford’s playing style isn’t exactly what we’d expect to see in a United squad headed by Ten Hag. The Dutch manager is renowned for his sleek total football philosophy, which emphasizes possession and line-building.
Rashford, on the other hand, has excelled in a more counter-attacking style, where he can chase down through balls or drive at a disorganized defense in transition. However, teams that control the ball prefer to pin their opponents inside their own half, making such situations rare. As a result, Ten Hag will aim to rely more on good technicians who can painstakingly dismantle a defense and exploit any gaps that develop.
Ten Hag’s arrival should surely be considered as a positive for United, but it may be the polar opposite for Rashford. Many fans will be hoping he can continue to be a valuable member of the team in the future, but if that is to happen under Ten Hag, his game will need to improve significantly.
