Erik ten Hag is giving Marcus Rashford what Ralf Rangnick couldn't at Manchester United

Marcus Rashford is the man of the moment at Old Trafford right now, his three Premier League goals signalling a remarkable turnaround of form.

After a demoralising year, the striker looked back in his groove under Erik ten Hag in pre-season. This seemed to be all undone after the defeats to Brighton and Brentford.

He looked wayward in both fixtures before his breakaway goal against Liverpool sparked an upturn in form few had imagined post-Bees. Rashford has started as the leading striker ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the league, amid Anthony Martial’s Achilles injury.

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His burst of speed behind defensive lines wreaked havoc against Liverpool and Arsenal, a trait that was not seen under Ralf Rangnick. The interim boss did little to inspire the out-of-form England international during his rut.

“I know he is not happy with his performance right now but it doesn’t help if we discuss that every week,” Rangnick said of Rashford in February. “We can all make our thoughts as to what it could be but I don’t see any reason why he should not be happy.”

A month later, his consistent poor displays had sparked speculation about his future at United. Rangnick effectively told him he was free to leave in the summer if he wished.

"Suppose he and his agents or his family at one stage of the summer think about maybe going to another club, well then he can do that, but in the summer,” he said. This is polar opposite to the line taken by Ten Hag this week.

When asked whether he wants Rashford - whose contract expires in June, albeit with the option of a further year - to pen a new deal he adamantly replied: "Definitely.” It’s clear Rashford feeds off being confident.

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