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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Kyle Newbould

What Benni McCarthy told Manchester United fans about Marcus Rashford

Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy directed fan praise onto Erik ten Hag but admits he has got Marcus Rashford 'in the right place'.

McCarthy's arrival as first-team coach last July has helped to transform United's fortunes, with the former Blackburn Rovers and West Ham frontman working wonders on Rashford. The Reds striker has been in scintillating form this season, his 16 goals in 17 games since the World Cup the most by anyone in Europe's top five leagues.

The 25-year-old has looked a completely different player from the one that failed to score in any of his last 15 games in the previous campaign, exuding confidence and enjoying playing football once again. Currently on a personal record 24 goals, each strike has been followed by a now trademark celebration that symbolises his new mentality.

ALSO READ: Why Van Persie was at Ten Hag's press conference

Key to that transformation has been McCarthy, who was praised by United fans as he left Old Trafford in a now viral clip.

“You are doing a fantastic job with this team,” McCarthy was told by one fan.

Remaining modest, McCarthy responded: “Thank you - that’s the manager, it’s the manager.”

When praised specifically for his work with Rashford, the United coach pointed to his head and said: "I've got him in the right place."

McCarthy's impact on Rashford this season has some corners of M16 hailing the coach as United's best signing under Erik ten Hag. A surprise addition to the coaching staff given he had not worked with the Dutchman before and was in post at South African side AmaZulu FC at the time.

According to the Daily Mail, McCarthy's eagerness to join the Reds' coaching staff meant he accepted the role before even asking what the salary and terms would be, working with Rashford and the likes of Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial on timing runs, attacking space and when to stand still.

Earlier this season, Rashford himself praised McCarthy for his impact: “He’s definitely helped me a lot. To have those attack-minded coaches is good for us in the squad, he’s always there speaking to us about these things.”

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