Erik Ten Hag hails 'great player' Marcus Rashford for heeding heading demands after guiding Manchester United to win over West Ham

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag described match-winner Marcus Rashford as "a great player" who will get even better after his side's 1-0 win against West Ham.

Rashford notched his 100th goal for United with a brilliant first-half header, which extended his side's unbeaten run in all competitions to eight matches.

The rejuvenated striker is the first United player since Wayne Rooney in 2009 to reach the goalscoring landmark and when asked if he could become an elite player, Ten Hag said: "I think he is already.

"Before you're 25, to score 100 goals, I think you're already there, but he won't be satisfied with that.

"In the end it's about how many trophies you win with your club and I think he can develop his game even more."

Rashford rose above West Ham's Thilo Kehrer to meet Christian Eriksen's cross without breaking stride to give United a half-time lead, which they protected after coming under sustained pressure in the second period.

Ten Hag was clearly delighted Rashford had heeded his advice when the Dutchman first arrived at Old Trafford.

"When you see he made two headers (in the game) for instance and we have worked a lot on that," Ten Hag added.

"I notified him from the start, his heading had to improve and he worked on that and you can see what's happening.

"Also mentally, he's much more consistent and reliable and resilient. I'm really happy with the progress.

"For me he's already massive, a great player, but there's still a lot of room for improvement and where it ends I don't know, but it will be a fantastic career I'm sure."

Ten Hag also singled out David De Gea and Diogo Dalot after his side climbed back up to fifth place in the Premier League table, one point off the top four.

Goalkeeper De Gea made a string of