Marcus Rashford believes manager Erik ten Hag's hunger for clean sheets has played a key role in Manchester United's resurrection under him this season.
United, who host Barcelona in the second leg of their Europa League showdown at Old Trafford on Thursday night, recorded their 18th clean sheet of the season in all competitions following Sunday afternoon's 3-0 win over Leicester City. That marked their 10th clean sheet in the Premier League alone so far this season, a return that can only be bettered by Newcastle United's tally of 12.
A strong defensive base has been key to United's revival this season, influenced by Ten Hag's high standards. The former Ajax chief is constantly demanding more from his players and has set standards that had long been missing at Old Trafford.
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And Rashford, who netted his 23rd and 24th goals of the season against Leicester, has outlined how Ten Hag has raised standards this season and is constantly demanding more. The England international, featuring in a sit-down interview with teammate Brandon Williams, hailed the Dutchman's determination and all-round approach.
"I would say his determination," Rashford told Stadium Astro, addressing Ten Hag's greatest attribute as a manager. "I think Brandon mentioned before that he doesn't rest on anything; if we are 3-0 up in a game or 2-0 up, if we concede a goal we know he is not going to be happy about it.
"It starts to spread because now, all of a sudden, even for me and the forward lads, we are desperate for David and the defensive lads to keep a clean sheet. If we are winning 1-0, yes, it is massively important. If we are winning 4-0, in the past it was less important if the other team scored a goal.
"Whereas now we are constantly striving to be the best that we can be and us, when at our best, we don't concede goals."
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