Marcus Rashford says he wasn't in 'right headspace' last season after scoring 100th Manchester United goal
Updated 31/10/2022 at 08:42 GMT
The 2021/22 season was not Marcus Rashford's finest as he struggled for goals and was linked with a move away from boyhood club Manchester United. However, he has bounced back under Erik ten Hag and took his tally to the season for seven with the winner against West Ham. Rashford has reflected on his mental struggles last year and how he has changed things.
'Don't be satisfied with 100!' - Ten Hag's reaction to Rashford landmark
Video credit: SNTV
Marcus Rashford admitted he often wasn’t in the "right headspace" last season after continuing his resurgent form with his 100th goal for Manchester United.
Rashford headed home to earn United a 1-0 victory over West Ham at Old Trafford.
It was a landmark goal for Rashford as he became only the 22nd player to reach a century for Manchester United.
It was also Rashford’s seventh goal of the season, which is two more than he managed in 2021/22, when his future at the club came under scrutiny.
"It's a complete different energy around the club and the training ground," Rashford told Sky Sports after the win over West Ham.
"That puts me in a better headspace and I just feel really motivated now. That's the area I was struggling in.
"I was struggling at times with more mental things. It wasn't really my own performance but other things off the pitch. That's the biggest difference from last season.
"I get that it's your job to speak about what happens on the pitch but for the players we have to get into the right headspace for every game.
"Too often last season, I wasn't in the right headspace for games. I wasn't surprised by some of the stuff that was happening."
The England international, who has turned 25 the day after the win, added: “It’s obviously a fantastic moment for me, something I've been looking forward to doing, so I'm really happy.
“But I'm just looking to keep pushing on now, keep progressing.”
Rashford’s form this season looks to be improving at the right time as he bids for a starting role for England at the Qatar World Cup.
England manager Gareth Southgate was in the stands to see Rashford net against West Ham.
Rashford is a United academy graduate and the club have now featured a homegrown player in every matchday squad for 85 years.
"I think we make a great goal," said United manager Erik ten Hag.
"It was magnificent, the pass from Christian Eriksen and then the header was really a hammer from Marcus Rashford.
"It's so great as it's a player out of the academy scoring his 100th goal and the 85th anniversary today.
"He's really representing the work of Manchester United, and it values the good work that the academy is doing. And Marcus Rashford, tomorrow is his 25th birthday as well. A great present I would say!"
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