Manchester United coach named as key influence in Marcus Rashford upturn

Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has been identified as a major catalyst for Marcus Rashford hitting such breathtaking form in front of goal this campaign.

Rashford, 25, has been re-energised since Erik ten Hag was appointed as manager and a decisive strike against Leeds was his 21st goal in all competitions this season. He also netted three times for England at the World Cup in Qatar as the forward continues to go from strength to strength for club and country.

While the Dutchman and his tactical input has certainly enabled Rashford to thrive, one pundit feels a telling backroom appointment has also contributed to that upturn with McCarthy arriving at United shortly after ten Hag joined from Ajax. The South African, who played in England with Blackburn Rovers and West Ham, primarily works with Rashford and the club's other forward players.

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And his influence was cited by ex-Arsenal and England frontman Ian Wright as a key reason for Rashford's improvement. Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Wright said: "I think the acquisition of Benni McCarthy, a striker coach, has helped him (Rashford).

"When you look at the movement for that goal, Harry Maguire was talking about [in his post-match interview] how his heading has improved. It was brilliant.

"It says to me that someone like Benni McCarthy's working very closely with him. He's improved no end."

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