Erik ten Hag backs Marcus Rashford to rediscover his best form with Man United next season... and suggests assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy can 'help' the forward

Erik ten Hag has backed Marcus Rashford to rediscover his best form for Manchester United and become a 30-goal striker again.

Rashford hit that mark in Ten Hag’s first season but dropped to eight last term after signing a new £300,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford.

United would listen to offers for the 26-year-old if a big bid comes in this summer, but it’s unlikely that Rashford will leave his hometown club.

Ten Hag is more focussed on getting the best out of the England forward who missed out on a place in the Euro 2024 squad after his below-par season.

Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been brought in as assistant manager, and Ten Hag believes his Dutch compatriot can get the best out of Rashford.

‘The reason Ruud is here is clear, he can help the strikers, but he is much more than this,’ he said. ‘With Rashford he can only prove himself. 

'He is capable, he scores so many goals, already at a relatively young age, he is capable of it. So I am confident, 100 per cent belief, he can do the same as two years ago.’

Mason Mount also struggled for form and fitness after making a £60m move from Chelsea. Ten Hag added: ‘You can’t judge a season because he was injured. So don't judge him because he was injured, but when he is fit he will be a very good player.

‘In a squad you need certain types, you need team players. He is one of the players and I'm sure he will help the team.’

Ten Hag was asked about Jadon Sancho, who has returned to training after a fall-out with his manager and loan move to Borussia Dortmund, and Antony who struggled last season amid off-the-field allegations.

‘For every individual, it's different,’ said the manager. ‘No-one has the same background but it's clear we want to win and both of them are very good players.’

Ten Hag reiterated that he wants to draw a line under the uncertainty surrounding his future this summer. Co-owners Ineos interviewed a number of potential replacements before handing him a one-year contract extension.

‘We are now in a new season,’ he said. ‘We left everything behind, we are looking forward. It's a great project. The process is nice. We go with ups and downs and now we are very energised. There is a good dynamic, a good spirit and we are looking forward. We want to work and we want to win.

‘I never think if I'm in a strong position or weak position. When you take over a dressing-room that didn't win a trophy in six years you have to improve. But I don't think I am strong or weak. I want to collaborate. I can't do this on my own. I'm sure we will have even more success.’