Man Utd beat Leeds 2-0 at Elland Road to close the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League to five points; Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho scored late goals for Erik ten Hag's side; Ten Hag on Rashford: "He has the skills. I was convinced from the first moment."
Monday 13 February 2023 09:44, UK
Erik ten Hag believes Marcus Rashford is one of the best forwards in Europe and told the Manchester United frontman to stay hungry following his latest goal in Sunday's win at Leeds.
After the old rivals drew 2-2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, the reverse fixture was on course to end in another hard-fought draw at a rocking Elland Road.
But United secured a late 2-0 win against managerless Leeds as substitute Alejandro Garnacho struck five minutes after Rashford headed the visitors ahead to take his goal tally for the season to 21.
The 25-year-old has scored 13 goals in 15 matches since the World Cup and Ten Hag says that form will continue so long as complacency does not creep in.
"In general, you asked me 'do you think you have a player in your squad who can score 20 goals?' in August or September," the United manager said. "I confirmed. I think he can do that.
"Now, if you are satisfied with it, then it will stop because satisfaction is going to laziness. You have to keep investing every day.
"But when he is keeping the investment and keeps the focus in every game and brings the energy in and the belief, he will score, he will keep scoring.
"I don't know where it will stop but he has to go from game to game and during the week do the right things.
"I think as a manager, as a coaching staff we have to push them but finally it comes from the player. When he loses focus then the scoring will stop. Clear."
Asked if Rashford is one of the best forwards in Europe, Ten Hag said: "He's definitely one of them.
"He has the skills. I was convinced from the first moment. I was really excited to work with him. Yeah, I thought I could get more out of him.
"But he has so many skills, such high potential and I think there can be even more.
"When he works well, he will even score more goals because he can score with his left, right and his head."
Ten Hag was also quick to praise fellow goalscorer Garnacho, having been frustrated by the teenager's inability to convert one of two big chances he had against Leeds on Wednesday.
"Definitely (that was the perfect response)," the United boss said. "I had some talks with him about that. That is about taking responsibility.
"He had those chances but he was in the right position, the team brings him the ball, but also his investment I don't want to look away from that.
"But once he is there, on our level you have to score the goal then.
"OK, not every chance can be a goal but of two, one has to be in. That is taking responsibility."
Manchester United return to European action on Thursday when they travel to Barcelona for the first leg of their Europa League play-off (kick-off 5.45pm).
Erik ten Hag's side then host Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday, live on Sky Sports (kick-off 4.30pm).
