“I’m always happy seeing them on ball… They are the best player in England currently”: Erik ten Hag names TWO Man United players who have saved him from getting sacked
If Erik ten Hag had drawn up a list of things he wanted to see from Manchester United’s trip to Southampton, you’d imagine that he departed St Mary’s having ticked many off them off.
A clean sheet for Andre Onana. A strong display from Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, the understanding growing between the two former Ajax men.
A solid debut off the bench for Manuel Ugarte, a comfortable afternoon for the seldom-seen Christian Eriksen, some gorgeous Joshua Zirkzee touches, and a much-needed, confidence-boosting strike from Manchester United’s much-maligned number ten Marcus Rashford.
Off the back of a poor, eight goal campaign – and having not scored in his previous four across 2024/25 – the relief was palpable as Rashford’s subtle, curling shot span into the far corner of Aaron Ramsdale’s net just before the interval.
It was a goal that all-but killed off the game as a contest, combined with De Ligt’s opener and Onana’s vital penalty save.
Erik ten Hag delighted by Manchester United win
“You have to win every game. We did today, and sometimes you have to find a way to win,” Ten Hag tells TNT Sports (14th September, 2.45pm). “The first minutes, we had some problems.
“After Andre stopped the penalty and the goal from Matthijs de Ligt, I think the game was all ours.”
Rashford has been going the extra mile off the pitch in an attempt to escape his recent slump. Left out of the England squad again, he spent the international break training with coach Ryan Hopper, who could not speak any higher of the Carrington graduates attitude or mentality.
And there was a freedom, a returning swagger about the way Rashford ran at a quaking Southampton backline during the second 45 on the banks of the Solent.
A goal is usually the best medicine for a forward short on confidence. And, touch by touch, minute by minute, Rashford’s self-belief appears to be building again.
“Very important,” Ten Hag adds in response to Rashford’s first goal of the campaign. “We spoke before the game. Its so huge for him, for every striker. You want to be on that scoring list.
“Now, he has his first and I am sure he will get more.”
