ERIK TEN HAG LEAPS TO DEFENCE OF MARCUS RASHFORD AFTER MAN UTD STAR ABUSED BY FANS

Erik ten Hag has defended Marcus Rashford after the Manchester United striker hit back at abuse on social media.

In the early hours of Friday, Rashford responded to a post on X, which said the criticism the England star had been subjected to was unfair. The post read: 'The way Marcus Rashford is being treated is absolutely disgusting. It's cruel. It's abuse.'

Rashford responded, saying he was tired of the abuse, writing: “I appreciate your support! It is abuse and has been for months. Enough is enough.”

The 26-year-old was booed when he came off in United's 3-3 FA Cup semi-final draw with Championship side Coventry, in which they scraped through on penalties. Ahead of United's Premier League game against Burnley, Ten Hag came out in support of Rashford and said he needs the support of fans to rediscover the form that saw him score 30 goals last season.

“I've a lot of sympathy for Rashy, of course,” said Ten Hag. “Last year, he had a brilliant season, I think, the best season in his career, he scored 30 goals.

“This season, he didn't give the performances and people have been very critical. We have to back him and everyone should back him to get back to the levels of last year.

“I think he needs the support. We all know what he's capable of, we all have to support and push him. He can do better than this year. We saw that last year when he was really brilliant.

“I think the fans are always behind us. When we were entering Old Trafford, I heard the reception. Wednesday was louder than I have heard. Also away, always supportive, backing the team and there's a very good connection between the team and the fans.”

On team news ahead of the visit of Burnley, Ten Hag said: "It's the same squad but Mason Mount, he will return to the squad." Asked if Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Anthony Martial would return before the end of the season, Ten Hag said: "Yes, I think so. I think we're all going to see them again this season.

"They returned, all three onto the pitch. Next week, they have to make a step into team training and we think they can be available for the last weeks. They are progressing well."

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2024-04-26T13:27:44Z dg43tfdfdgfd