Man Utd dressing room handed Marcus Rashford challenge as new theory emerges

Marcus Rashford ended a six-month goal drought with three in his last two games, with former Premier League defender Bacary Sagna convinced he can get back to his best

Marcus Rashford will need the continued support of Manchester United to get back to his best, according to Bacary Sagna.

Rashford ended a six-month goal drought in United's 3-0 Premier League win at Southampton last weekend and followed that up with two in Tuesday's 7-0 mauling of League One Barnsley at Old Trafford.

The United striker struggled with issues on and off the field last season and managed just eight goals, a huge let-down from the previous campaign, when he plundered a career-best total of 30 in all competitions.

Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Sagna is convinced Rashford will get back to his best this season – but only if everyone at United continues to give him the support he needs.

“Considering the quality of Marcus Rashford, you need to give him support,” Sagna told Paddy Power. “I’m a fan of his and I rate him as a player, but if Manchester United want to get back to their best, all their players have to perform. I was glad to see him score and hope that it will help him get back to his best, as he was at the start of his career.

“Mentally, I’m not sure he was in the right place and his mum spoke out about how he was suffering after a close loss. He’s a human being and these things can have an impact on his game.

“Manchester United have been patient with him – hopefully he will get back to his best and have the impact he was having before.”

Despite United winning back-to-back games, Sagna feels Erik ten Hag's side are not playing as well as they can and must reach another level in terms of quality of performance and produce greater consistency in terms of results.

Image: YouTube/Sky Sports Premier League) YouTube/Sky Sports Premier League)

“Manchester United are one of the greatest teams in Europe, but I’m not sure they are performing at the level they should,” said Sagna.

“When I think about United, I think about their old players. The mentality was different, the impact on the pitch was different. They have great players at the minute, but they need to be more efficient and win games.

“Kobbie Mainoo is one of the best players at his position at the minute. He has what it takes, he’s already very confident at a very young age and he will only get better by playing. He should keep playing as long as he stays injury free.”

Bacary Sagna was speaking to Paddy Power. Read the full interview here https://www.paddypower.com/football

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