Erik ten Hag promises to use reputation on Man Utd duo Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho

Erik ten Hag is convinced he can help Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho rediscover their very best form.

Last season was Rashford’s worst at United, the forward managing just five goals from 32 appearances and losing his England place in the process. Sancho endured a tough first season at United, following his much-vaunted £75million move from Borussia Dortmund, with five goals from 38 games.

Like Rashford, Sancho was not in Gareth Southgate’s last England squad and both players are desperate to force their way back in time for the World Cup this winter. Rashford and Sancho were on the scoresheet in United’s 2-1 win over arch-rivals Liverpool on Monday, with Ten Hag excited by what the pair can offer in attack.

Ten Hag gained a reputation for nurturing and developing young players at Ajax and he believes he can do the same for Rashford, 24, and Sancho, 22. “I will give my 100 per cent for that, but we have to work hard,” said Ten Hag.

“I have to work hard with my players, I’m confident that they can do it, now they have to believe that as well. You see it when you bring it on the pitch and you can see the impact they can have.

“I was really happy that they scored the two goals, because I hoped that it will give them the push that they can do the hard work and contribute in defending and pressing, but also contribute to creating chances and taking chances, which is what they are really good at. It’s about when they believe that they will do it.”

Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring against Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)

On Rashford getting back to his best, Ten Hag said: “I was convinced about that from the first moment in pre-season. He impressed me and I knew already before that he was a magnificent talent and player. He showed in every training session he’s positive, has good energy and in pre- season he was good.

“I hope he will cary on like this and be positive and, with his movements, he will create chances, the team will create him chances and he has to believe that the team will do that. Then it’s about getting the right finish, but I’m convinced that he can stay with that belief.

“I think he can play every role, as you saw last Monday. But I think it was really good to make that substitution, with Anthony Martial and moving Marcus to the left, because we know his inside runs are really dangerous and we saw that with the second goal.”

Casemiro, signed from Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £70million, is set to make his debut at Southampton on Saturday, with Ten Hag admitting United could look to add another midfielder before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

“We’re not at the top of the world, but the intention always has to be for Manchester United to look for better,” said Ten Hag.

“So good is not good enough, always go for better and that has to be the culture on the pitch and that is what the demand is, not just on the players, but also in every department on the club. It has to be the standard, it’s the demand, and we have to go that way.”