The Man Utd manager continues to prove why he’s the right man for the club, and this squad.
Manchester’s United win at Leeds was further evidence of the superb man-management of Erik ten Hag, as Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho secured a hard-fought 2-0 win.
Rashford started off the left, from where he had limited success, only giving United the lead once he was moved through the middle. Garnacho soon after raced down the left wing to finish the game.
Ten Hag’s reaction as the eighteen-year-old Argentine found the back of the net was more akin to a proud father, similar to the scene when Jadon Sancho made his return to action in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest.
Trust in Rashford
Last season, Marcus Rashford ended his campaign with five goals, with Rangnick reportedly telling Rashford he could leave the club if he was ‘unhappy’.
He cut a frustrated figure, only completing 90 minutes on three occasions under Rangnick. He did not score in those three appearances.
Going into this season, Rashford was given a full pre-season and in Ten Hag, a manager who trusted him. When praising Rashford after the game at Elland Road, Ten Hag said “he had so many skills and such high potential and then can be even more”.
Given Rashford already has 21 goals this season, being the first United player to hit 30 goals in a season since van Persie could well be attainable.
Garnacho’s raw talent
Alejandro Garnacho has forced his way into the first team this season on raw ability. It is the job of ten Hag to harness this rawness to United’s advantage.
His performance on Wednesday night drew criticism and Ten Hag relegated him to the subs’ bench for Sunday’s rematch, before introducing him on the hour mark.
Linking well with Luke Shaw down the left side, both United goals came down that flank, including Garnacho’s third goal of the season.
Garnacho is an immense talent, but Wednesday highlighted his rawness up against the experienced Luke Ayling. When used from the bench, he is a great asset for Ten Hag and has already made crucial contributions this season.
No need to rush for Sancho
Jadon Sancho made his first start since the end of October on Sunday and although he was substituted on the hour mark, it marked a key step in his return to the first team.
Following a mediocre first season at Old Trafford, his pre-season form including a composed finish against Liverpool looked to be a sign that things were changing for him.
But his form dipped and Ten Hag said he was “physically and mentally struggling” and was given an individual programme away from Carrington, with the manager insistent he would not be rushed back.
Source: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
