Marcus Rashford has admitted that he has discovered a "different mindset and mentality" this season after scoring his 10th goal of the campaign in Manchester United's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.
The academy graduate, who scored three times for England at the World Cup in Qatar, connected with Christian Eriksen's first-half corner to fire the Reds into the lead. He then turned provider just three minutes later, setting up Anthony Martial to double United's advantage.
It took his tally of direct goal contributions (goals and assists) this season in all competitions to 14, highlighting the dramatic shift in his performances under Erik ten Hag. His career has been revitalised by the Dutchman, so much so that he is now of one of United's most influential players.
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He is starting week in, week out for the Reds and has scored two goals in as many games since returning from the World Cup, following his excellent solo effort in the Carabao Cup against Burnley last week. And it is the confidence that he has gained from becoming a regular starter again that has inspired his return to form.
"I think for me, when you're not in the team and you're coming on it is a different mindset, in terms of you're having to think about making an impact all the time and you're not quite sure when you're going to get another chance on the pitch," Rashford told Amazon Prime Video. "It is definitely a different mindset and mentality, but I'm enjoying doing what I'm doing at the minute."
Victory over Forest moved United to within a point of the top four and just three points behind cross-city rivals Manchester City, who travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Wednesday evening. The Reds have won three of their last four Premier League matches and are continuing to go from strength to strength.
On United's improvements this season, Rashford added: "We are winning a lot more football games and I think the level of players have been a lot higher. I am happy with the way we are developing at the minute and I’m hoping that we can keep kicking on."
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