Despite Marcus Rashford‘s squandered chances in the Community Shield loss to Manchester City, Erik ten Hag maintains faith that the Manchester United player will excel this season.
At Wembley on Saturday, Alejandro Garnacho gave United a late lead. However, Bernardo Silva’s equalizer in the 89th minute forced a penalty shootout.
As City won their first trophy of the year, Jonny Evans and Jadon Sancho both missed 12-yard shots.
Rashford had two excellent opportunities to change the outcome of the match earlier in the game.
A superb flowing move in the first half saw Rashford picked out in the box but he could not curl his effort inside the far post. The England international was denied by the post in the second-half after being picked out by Garnacho.
With Rasmus Hojlund ruled out until September, Rashford will be tasked with stepping up and improving on his meek return of seven Premier League goals from last season.
Despite again looking unconvincing in front of goal, ten Hag has backed his player to come good this season.
‘I think he was several times in very good positions,’ Ten Hag said.
‘I’m very pleased he is getting in those positions. Keep going, keep making those movements and the team will make those movements, he will score goals.
‘He’s experienced enough to deal with this and once he scores one, then the goals will come.’
United hope to wrap up deals for Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt in the coming hours with Aaron Wan-Bissaka meanwhile close to completing his move to West Ham United.
‘When we have some news, we will announce it,’ ten Hag said.
‘Until that point, we will work with the squad that is available. It’s clear we have problems and we have to work.
‘The players have to work to be available and the staff have to work, together it should be a good collaboration with the players who are available.’