Marcus Rashford has revealed that he did consider leaving Manchester United prior to the appointment of current manager Erik ten Hag last summer.
Rashford had endured the worst goalscoring campaign of his professional career prior to Ten Hag's arrival, managing just five goals in all competitions for the Red Devils. During Ten Hag's first year as manager, however, the forward was able to turn his fortunes around completely by enjoying the most prolific season of his career to date - netting a stunning 30 goals in all competitions.
Now having signed a new long-term contract at the club, becoming United's highest paid player in the process, Rashford has now firmly cemented his status as the Red Devils' star man.
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But it could have been very different as he did consider leaving the club prior to Ten Hag's arrival.
"Before the manager came maybe a little bit, but it’s football, it happens," Rashford revealed. "Everything is going to happen for a reason and he came to the club at the right time for me, the timing worked out."
When asked why his form has drastically improved under the new manager, Rashford replied: "Freedom – we were just a little bit rigid in the past. Sometimes you’re not enjoying your football and that was the case with me – I wasn’t enjoying my football as much as I should be, as much I was used to enjoying it. Because of that it influenced my performance and ultimately that’s how I am as a person. If I’m not happy then it’s difficult for me to play my best football.
"Just a little bit more freedom and a little bit more stability – that gives you the baseline to try and showcase your abilities. I enjoy scoring goals, making assists, playing in the forward areas and trying to cause a threat to the other team."
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This article was originally published on 90min as Marcus Rashford admits he considered leaving Man Utd before Erik ten Hag appointment.
