Everything Erik ten Hag has said about Marcus Rashford after clear response to Man United 'abuse'

Marcus Rashford has come to his own defence following 'months of abuse' from online critics. It comes during a run of just two goals in 10 Premier League games.

It's not the first time the academy graduate has spoken out against trolls either. Facing consistent battles on social media from rival fans, his own supporters, and even TV pundits questioning his attitude, Rashford is rarely out of the news.

"I appreciate your support!" the 26-year-old replied in a quote tweet to a fan calling out the 'absolutely disgusting' treatment he had been receiving. "It is abuse and has been for months. Enough is enough".

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As one of the star names in an underperforming squad under Erik ten Hag, and coming off the back of a 30-goal season, Rashford remains intensely under the microscope for his displays. It is two months since he last played in a league victory - he missed the 4-2 win over Sheffield United on Wednesday - and the goals have severely dried up.

He has managed just seven goals in the league this term - with only three more coming in Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup fixtures - and is once again under the spotlight.

It was only earlier this year that he was punished by Ten Hag for visiting a nightclub in Belfast before missing training due to illness. "In football, you need discipline and that's on the pitch but also off the pitch," the manager explained at the time.

"There is a line and every player, every professional knows this. They know what is required. We have to focus on winning football games and that's well that matters and every top professional knows what is required."

The head coach added: "He has taken responsibility and for the rest it's an internal matter, case closed." He also dismissed the behaviour as not being a lack of respect. "It's nothing to do with that. As I said, case closed."

Since then the Dutchman has also shut down talk of Rashford leaving the club in the near future. He has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the past but signed a new long-term deal, keeping him at the club until 2028, in July last year.

"We did not sign him last season for four years with the intention to sell him now," explained Ten Hag in March after suggestions that he could be sold to help United comply with financial rules. "He should be part of this project. It is not a subject we talk about."

Only earlier that same month he was seeking to push Rashford onto bigger and better things. "What he can take from the past is that he can score a lot of goals. He can score against the biggest opponents in the world and against the best defenders in the world. It's just about him; if he has his attitude right on Sunday, he is unstoppable.

"It's about him. Of course, we have to serve him, that's a part of it, but in all the games against City he had big chances to score goals."

Plenty of positivity from the boss, and that continued into the aftermath of conceding two late goals against Chelsea earlier this month. Whilst former United defender Gary Neville said that there was something 'not right' about Rashford - and Roy Keane going a step further - Ten Hag offered reason to be happy with the player.

"Lately his form is progressing," he said before Rashford went on to score against Liverpool in the dramatic FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool. "I think he has a big motivation because he wants to be successful with us.

"He wants to score goals but he wants to win trophies and we still have a chance in the FA Cup. He wants to fight for a Champions League spot and the Euros are coming so I will say his motivation should be high.

"He can change the momentum. Before Brentford he scored three goals in three games."

Rashford himself has been public in his frustration at his portrayal in some quarters. "If you ever question my commitment to United, that's when I have to speak up," he wrote in a piece for The Players' Tribune.

"It's like somebody questioning my entire identity, and everything I stand for as a man.

"I grew up here. I have played for this club since I was a boy. My family turned down life-changing money when I was a kid so I could wear this badge."

He added: "I can take any criticism. I can take any headline. From podcasts, social media and the papers. I can take it.

"But if you start questioning my commitment to this club and my love for football and bringing my family into it, then I'd simply ask you to have a bit more humanity."

Rashford will now be looking to turn his fortunes around as United prepare for the final push this season under Ten Hag.