The Man United forward spoke to Gary Lineker about how he has progressed as a No 9 this campaign
Marcus Rashford believes Erik ten Hag has helped him develop into No 9 at Manchester United this season and thinks he finally understands the advice Wayne Rooney gave him years ago.
Rashford has enjoyed his best season in front of goal for United this campaign. He has scored 30 goals in all competitions and is the club's top scorer this season so far, reaching double that of the next player in the club's scoring charts.
Rashford will aim to score more goals and his second title of the season when United take on Manchester City at Wembley in the FA Cup final on Saturday afternoon. It followed the Carabao Cup and finished in third place in the Premier League. Ten Hag arrived at United last summer and has taken the first step in the club's transformation this season. Rashford believes the Dutchman has improved his game at No 9 as he admits what has hindered him and frustrated him in the role before.
Speaking to Gary Lineker on BBC Sport, Rashford said:
“I think he comes in with a clear identity and a clear plan of how he wants to play and after training with him you learn very quickly because he is very clear about what he wants. you do.
"I think as a number 9, I'm playing a lot better. I feel like I'm on the left, I always have the goal and I can create chances on the left and sometimes when I'm in the middle. , I feel like I'm trying my best to get the ball. "When you're a striker, patience is probably the biggest skill. I always want to score goals, but that's what I need to do well at number nine, because that's what frustrates me the most - me don't mind missing an opportunity, I'd rather miss an opportunity than have none.
"Sometimes in the 9th position I was too impatient. I tried to get on the ball because I couldn't see the ball much. Then the ball would go out and I knew where I needed to be in the box. But I did. one second late and that will frustrate me. "A lot of work has been done to maintain your position, play a little more with the defenders."
Rashford believes the skills he has acquired as a No 9 can certainly be taught and are not just natural instincts that would otherwise be unattainable. He recalls what United's all-time top scorer Rooney once told him about the position and that it would take time - which is something that United's current No 10 really understands.
I said:
"You can certainly teach it, it just takes time. I remember talking to Wazza [Wayne Rooney] years ago when I started playing on the left and he always said 'you'll grow up with time. time' and I feel like I understand what he's saying now."
A special souvenir edition of the Manchester Evening News - Fergie's First - chronicles United's winning campaign in 1992/93 and you can purchase a copy here
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