Erik ten Hag has challenged Marcus Rashford to be more ruthless in front of goal as the Red Devils look to improve their scoring record.
United are fifth in the table heading into this weekend’s game against Newcastle, but they have scored fewer goals than any other team in the top seven, with only 15 to their name.
The 24-year-old has scored five goals in ten appearances this season, indicating that he may be back to his best. Only three of these goals, though, have been scored in the Premier League, and the England international missed numerous opportunities against Omonia Nicosia on Thursday in the Europa League.
Rashford received praise from new United manager Ten Hag for his efforts this season thus far, but he was also urged to show more creativity in the games to come.
“He did a lot of things well but he knows he has to be more clinical and he had to score a goal,” said Ten Hag. “When you have such good movements and make such good combinations, good actions, then you have to finish.”
The Dutch coach also emphasised the significance of the other members of his team contributing goals. Ten Hag responded when asked if United had a player who could score 20 goals a season: “I think we have in our squad players who can score that number of goals. But I think we also need something from midfield and the defensive department.”
After overcoming a shaky start to the season, United takes on Newcastle at Old Trafford on Sunday looking to move into the top four for the first time this year.