Erik ten Hag draws comparison between Marcus Rashford and Kylian Mbappe
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has compared Marcus Rashford’s current form to that of Kylian Mbappe’s while also highlighting one aspect of the England star’s game that has improved.
Rashford enjoyed a stellar World Cup campaign for the Three Lions before they were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by a France side that can consider themselves fortunate to progress on the night, such was the quality of England’s performance.
The 25-year-old forward ended the tournament as England’s joint-top scorer alongside Arsenal sensation Bukayo Saka, with both bagging three in the five games Gareth Southgate’s side contested. That is two goals shy of the competition’s leading marksman – Mbappe, who has been in remarkable form for Les Bleus since arriving in Qatar.
Ten Hag namedropped the Frenchman while discussing Rashford with the media after a mid-season friendly that saw United lose 1-0 to LaLiga outfit Real Betis.
“From the first moment, I recognised huge potential,” the Dutchman claimed. “And now to get out the potential, I believe when Marcus’s positioning is on the back of the defending line, there is almost no better player in the world.
“There is Mbappé in this moment, a type like him. But when he [Rashford]’s getting in that position [on the back of the defensive line], he’s great and you see he’s really improved also out of possession.
“One of the first things I said to him was ‘come to training and smile’, that gives you energy when you are happy. Marcus was one from the start who came with a smile to Carrington, from the first moment, it really was a joy to work with him. I recognise his talent. I think he is happier off the pitch too.”
Rashford enjoyed a relatively impressive start to the league season prior to the World Cup break, with the Red Devils academy graduate showing some signs that he is nearing getting back to his best level.
He has netted four times in 14 league games for United and while that is hardly a return that could be filed under ‘prolific’, Rashford has made a habit out of scoring against big opposition.
The forward netted twice in the 3-1 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford in September – the only time the Gunners have tasted a league defeat all season so far.
Rashford also bagged the winner against United’s most fierce rivals Liverpool when they beat the Reds early on in the season just as fears were mounting over the Red Devils prospects this term after a slow start.
Ten Hag will be hoping that Rashford’s fine form out in Qatar carries on over into the second half of the Premier League season as United bid for a return to the top four.
