Ian Wright says £300k-a-week Manchester United star is ‘actually getting worse’ under Erik ten Hag

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Erik ten Hag was once again under the critical microscope following Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Even though Marcus Rashford got on the scoresheet and scored his first Old Trafford goal since May, it didn’t leave Ian Wright totally convinced.

The Arsenal legend highlighted how players at Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, and their weekend opponents, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur, have improved in many, many ways.

But the same can’t be said for what Erik ten Hag has done for players at Manchester United, as he highlighted how someone like Marcus Rashford is ‘actually getting worse’, as he told Premier League Productions (15/01/24 at 2:40 pm). 

After hitting big numbers in Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge – 17 Premier League goals in 35 games – it’s only four so far this season. 

That is a huge drop off from the 26-year-old and, not only is it evident in his numbers, but his performances also.

Ian Wright pointed out that Marcus Rashford’s decision-making is ‘off’ this season, even though he was a constant threat in behind against Spurs.

Marcus Rashford’s form

“None of the players since he has been there have improved,” said Wright about ten Hag’s time at the club.

“You can look at Villa players. I remember he came in after Stevie. You look at the Tottenham players after Conte. These players have improved with the coaching that they are getting. Man United players aren’t improving. They are actually getting worse.

“I watched Rashford the other day. He look at his decision-making, whatever it is, it’s off. He scored a beautiful goal. But it’s off.”

Can Marcus Rashford fire Manchester United to the Champions League?

That’s the bare minimum for Man United after a very indifferent campaign that seems them stumbling away from the top four.

If Rashford turns it up and produces what the £300k-a-week star cooked last season, especially after the World Cup, then it’s very good news for the team.

But with eight points separating Manchester United and fourth-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand, then it doesn’t really bode well.

Not only do Man United need to produce title-winning form just to get into the Champions League places, but they need their opponents to falter badly and that’s not happening.