THE MARC’ OF A TRUE WINNER
Rashford’s hard work is paying off in style
MARCUS Rashford committed to extra training during the international break to keep himself in peak condition for when Manchester United returned to action.
Overlooked by England, as he was for Euro 2024, the United striker took part in training sessions away from United’s coaching staff, at the grounds of Ashton United and West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC.
That hard work has certainly paid off, with Rashford ending a six-month wait for a goal in United’s 3-0 win at Southampton last weekend with a composed and clinical finish.
The 26-year-old followed that up with two goals and an assist, as well as playing a part in the build-up to two more goals in United’s 7-0 mauling of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
Rashford is looking sharp and focused after last season’s problems on and off the field, which saw him score just eight goals in all competitions — the secondlowest return of his United career.
Determined
Ryan Hopper, of RH Elite Coaching, a former player with Accrington Stanley, who has worked with United skipper Bruno Fernandes and defender Diogo Dalot, revealed how determined Rashford was to become sharper and fitter.
“Marcus unfortunately wasn’t in the England squad, so his team reached out to me. He wanted to do extra work and we certainly got the work in,” said Hopper, speaking to Stretford Paddock.
“Quite a lot of people have this opinion of Marcus, but I can tell you it’s far from what people think. He loves football, loves to train and that’s all it was — he wanted to do extras.
“He wants to work really hard and he loves the game. You can see that by the way he trains, the way he communicates and the way he goes through the details.
“I was having some great conversations with him about techniques and all sorts of stuff, and it was an absolute pleasure.
Brilliant
“Marcus was brilliant, like all the other lads were, on key little details.
“I would say ‘why don’t you try this?’ and we’d try it, but also he was going into detail about how his technique is different to other people’s. So one thing might work for them, but not for him.
“Believe me, no stones were left unturned in the time I had with Marcus and he really worked hard, from doing the fitness element and putting the extra hard yards in, whether he was running, working on his finishing, doing one v ones or the technical stuff.
“He wants to be the best he can be. The fact Marcus put in the extra graft is a testament to him and his character. He just wants to be the best.
“I’m very lucky the lads feel they can come to me and work on extra things to improve their game.
“We get the work in, it’s intense, it’s done properly, and the lads see the results on the pitch, so that’s why they keep coming back.”
CLASS ACT: Marcus Rashford taking on Barnsley in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford on Tuesday, a game in which he scored two goals
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