Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, showed support for Marcus Rashford even though he missed two crucial chances in the Community Shield match against Manchester City. Rashford wasted opportunities before Garnacho scored the opening goal for United. While Bernardo Silva equalized late in the game, Akanji secured City’s victory with the winning penalty shot. Despite Rashford’s struggles, ten Hag refrained from blaming the English forward, highlighting his frequent good positioning on the pitch. The manager emphasized the importance of Rashford’s persistence in making goal-scoring movements, stating that once he breaks through, the goals will start flowing.
Ten Hag’s Comments on Potential New Arrivals
Addressing speculations about new signings, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt, ten Hag remained tight-lipped. Reports suggested that United had finalized deals with Bayern Munich for the duo while agreeing to loan out Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham. However, the manager declined to elaborate on transfer matters and simply acknowledged that the team faced defensive issues due to injuries. He emphasized the need for a collaborative effort between the available players and staff to overcome these challenges, hinting at forthcoming announcements when progress is made.
Looking Ahead to the Premier League Opener
Following the defeat to City in the Community Shield, ten Hag redirected his focus towards United’s upcoming Premier League match against Fulham. Expressing disappointment over the loss, the manager emphasized the importance of acknowledging failure and learning from it. Despite the setbacks, ten Hag recognized positive aspects in the team’s performance, noting their lead in the game and penalties. While the outcome was disheartening, he aimed to instill a sense of resilience and determination in the squad as they prepared for the season opener at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s responses after Manchester United’s disappointing result against City showcased a balanced blend of encouragement, caution, and determination. By supporting Rashford, handling transfer speculation with discretion, and maintaining a forward-looking approach for the upcoming challenges, the manager demonstrated leadership qualities essential for navigating the unpredictable landscape of professional football. As United regroups and strategizes for the new season, ten Hag’s statements serve as a reminder of the resilience required to succeed in the competitive Premier League.