His well-placed header against Leeds earlier this week means he has now scored 12 goals in his last 14 appearances in all competitions.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s rematch with the Yorkshire club, Ten Hag was quizzed on the winger’s fine form and the Dutchman has challenged his talisman to score 35 goals after reaching the 20-goal mark with several months left to play before the season is out.
“[There is] much more to come [from Marcus] and we have months to play, important months,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying by the official Manchester United website.
“We have to get into a position where we can win trophies, till now, where we are, Marcus has a big impact in this season.
“I remember at the start of the season, I was questioning can he score 20 goals, now he has that marker, he has scored 20 goals, but now it’s about getting more.
“He has to challenge himself to get 30 or 35, but most focus has to be on the next goal and if you be in that focus, you will see where you end up. But most important, finally, is that we win as a team.”
Rashford’s form is not surprising – it was always a matter of time and in Ten Hag, he has a manager with a proven track record of capturing talent and making the most of it.
His record speaks for itself. At 25, he has already scored over 120 goals in his career and he is finally developing into a potent threat in front of goal.
Ten Hag’s target of 35 goals may have been laughed at at the start of the season, and perhaps even two months into it, but not now. It’s definitely a realistic target and at this rate, Rashford will not struggle to hit it.
