Erik ten Hag Explains Benni McCarthy Impact on Rashford and Man United Strikers

Erik ten Hag Explains: Marcus Rashford is already scoring goals at an astonishing rate since Man Utd hired Benni McCarthy as their coach in the summer.

After admitting he thought the team required a coach who knew them in the summer, Erik ten Hag has praised the effect Benni McCarthy has had on Manchester United’s strikers.

The former Premier League striker joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in July, and Marcus Rashford, who scored his 27th goal of the year in the second leg of the Europa League victory over Real Betis on Thursday, is the most obvious example of his influence.

Ten Hag thinks the organisational structure of the team has given Rashford the freedom he needs to have his finest goal-scoring season of his career, but he also emphasised the influence of McCarthy and his motivations for hiring the South African.

McCarthy is familiar with the duties of a striker and the craft of finishing, which Rashford has developed to a new level this season. McCarthy scored 37 goals in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers.

Since I was aware of Rashford’s abilities, Ten Hag said, “I think the most important is the way of playing, that gives him a base, gives him a structure, the way of play is in his favour, and then you also being staff around who can make it better and make it progress.” Ten Hag was speaking of Rashford’s performance this season.

“Benni is doing a terrific job, but I still feel that we need someone on staff who is specifically focused on and accountable for strikes. I believe that the workforce is well-balanced and that we all work together to accomplish our goals; everyone on our staff has a distinct duty to do. They challenge one another, there is a positive energy, it’s an entire package, and it’s not just about one individual.”

Ten Hag praised Rashford’s mindset and mentality for creating this form after what had been a discouraging 18 months for him, noting that Rashford’s conditioning has improved since he returned for preseason.

He stated, “He improved over the season; he wasn’t in the best shape when the season started either. “I see that is bringing him a lot of improvement and it provides the team a lot of joy, Marcus a lot of goals and us a lot of wins,” said the coach. “The manner of playing gives him a base and then he brings his skillset, he brings his attitude, his mentality.”

Ten Hag always had confidence that one of his forwards might put up strong figures this season, and Rashford is now on track to become the first United player to achieve 30 goals across all competitions in ten years.

“I think I mentioned it in the summer, if you ask me if I believe in Rashford or Martial, I would say yes, I do,” he said.