Erik ten Hag reveals he has been ‘convinced’ by Marcus Rashford’s ‘character’

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insists he was ‘convinced’ Marcus Rashford would respond perfectly to being dropped from the starting lineup.

The England forward has been in superb form this season, but was taken out of the starting lineup for their New Year’s Eve clash at Wolves after turning up late to a team meeting.

But Rashford came off the bench to score a sensational solo winner in that win at Molineux, and he has since grabbed goals in victories at home to Bournemouth and Everton.

Speaking after his most recent exploits, Ten Hag credited Rashford for coming back into the United fold in the best possible way.

“If it’s the right person and the right human being and the right character, they will react like this,” said Ten Hag.

“Related to Marcus, I was quite convinced about it because I have known him for seven or eight months and could expect that reaction.”

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Ten Hag has helped instil a new culture at United and he was particularly praised for his handling of Cristiano Ronaldo’s outbursts this season. The Portugal forward had his contract mutually terminated following an egregious interview with Piers Morgan.

The Dutchman claims that discipline is key to his philosophy and that he is doing all he can to create a ‘winning attitude’.

“If you want to develop something, if you want to create a winning attitude and winning culture you have to go this way in my opinion,” Ten Hag added.

“Everyone will do it their own way but if you allow them to be ill disciplined, if you don’t match the standards, values and rules we set together as a team and as staff, if you don’t have that togetherness in the dressing room, then it will come back and it will blow up in your face.

“On the pitch that will happen if you do not have the discipline needed to win games. It’s about big responsibility so you have to go that way.”