Erik ten Hag responds after Marcus Rashford hits out at social media abuse

Erik ten Hag has offered his support to Marcus Rashford after the Manchester United forward called for fans to stop «abusing» him on social media.

Rashford was rewarded with a huge contract last summer after an outrageous first year under Ten Hag, but he has failed to match those heights this season. Fans have been quick to criticise his form — Rashford has just eight goals in all competitions this year — and even booed him off the pitch during the FA Cup semi-final scare against Coventry City.

A fan account came to Rashford's defence by insisting the treatment of him by fans has been «disgusting», and the 26-year-old posted a reply in the early hours of Friday morning, writing «I appreciate your support! It is abuse and has been for months. Enough is enough.»

Ten Hag, who has disciplined Rashford twice this season for incidents off the pitch, stood by the winger in his latest news conference but admitted he must raise his performance levels and prove people wrong on the pitch.

«I've a lot of sympathy for Rashy, of course,» Ten Hag said. «Last year, he had a brilliant season. I think the best season in his career, he scored 30 goals. You see what he is capable of.

»This season, he didn't give the performances and people have been very critical. We have to back him and everyone should back him to get back to the levels of last year.

«I think he needs the support. We all know what he's capable of, we all have to support and push him. He can do better than this year. We saw last year when he was really brilliant.

»I think the fans are behind us always. We are entering Old Trafford, I heard the reception. Wednesday was louder than I have heard. Also away: always supportive, backing the team and there is a very good connection