Ten Hag hails Rashford | Goal streak continues against Barcelona and Leicester

Marcus Rashford scored his 16th goal in 17 appearances for Manchester United since the World Cup when he netted a double against Leicester. So what's behind the sea change in form?

Speaking ahead of the Barcelona game, Erik ten Hag said Rashford was one of the best forwards in Europe and advised his in-form striker to stay hungry for more goals: "I don't know [if his scoring] will stop, but he has to go from game to game and during the week do the right things.

"I think as a manager, as a coaching staff we have to push them but finally it comes from the player. When he loses focus then the scoring will stop. Clear.

"He has so many skills, such high potential and I think there can be even more. When he works well, he will even score more goals because he can score with his left, right and his head."

Fast forward one week and the 25-year-old has scored three more goals in two outings. Speaking after the Leicester game, Rashford said: "There's always something to push and look forward to. I don't feel like slowing down. I'm always looking to push and improve."

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville added: "Rashford has been sensational. Left, centre, it doesn't matter where he plays - it looks like he's got defenders right where he wants them.

"It looks like he's got those pictures in his mind when he gets into the final third where he knows exactly what he wants to do. I always thought Thierry Henry was the very best at that, when he got into that left channel. Salah does it from the right, where he cuts in onto that left foot and bends it into the far corner."

To add statistical context, no top-flight player across Europe comes close to Rashford's 20 goal involvements since late December - seven clear of current runner-up, Karim Benzema.

Domestically, even Erling Haaland - who tops the Premier League goal chart with 26 goals - has managed only nine goals in all competitions since the World Cup.

Eddie Nketiah and Harry Kane rank fourth and fifth for goals since the tournament ended in Qatar with six goals - fewer than half the total Rashford has conjured in that time.

So what's behind the transformation? Is it just a prolonged purple patch or has Rashford changed his style and approach since returning from the Middle East?

Scale of improvement

Rashford's staggering numbers over the past two months have helped him secure a regular starting berth in Ten Hag's side - racking up 1,276 minutes across all competitions.

However, Rashford still outguns all rivals when factoring per-90 returns with 1.13 goals - ahead of Haaland (0.79), while only two Premier League players have averaged more accurate attempts per game.

Rashford has more than doubled his finishing ability since the World Cup, while the frequency of his fast breaks is up 50 per cent, and his shots on target, dribbles and clear-cut chances created for team-mates are all up around 25 per cent.

So what's changed?

Team tactics

In terms of his side's tactical setup, not much has changed. Wout Weghorst has been the only notable addition to the squad during his sensational scoring spree - but the pair have only combined 16 passes in the Premier League.

The graphic below shows the total passes and goal involvements between Rashford and his team-mates in league games since returning from Qatar.

Unsurprisingly, the data reveals his most fruitful partnerships are with Bruno Fernandes and the injured Christian Eriksen - with Luke Shaw frequently feeding the winger passes down his favoured left flank.

The graphic below shows how United's attacking approach has remained relatively constant - before and after the World Cup - with a greater skew of attacks still coming down Rashford's left channel.

The average positions appear to suggest Ten Hag has instructed his side to push farther forward since the international break, although this could be a consequence of his side enjoying greater dominance in games.

Most notably, the centre-backs have advanced almost two metres higher upfield and closed the gap between the No 6 midfielders and, indeed, the firing line - with Rashford pushing clear as United's most advanced player.

Player positioning

The heat maps below elaborate on the average positions above, showing how the winger has had a slightly greater concentration of activity closer to the opposition box since late December - and has been tracking back less.

Additionally, the shot maps below plot every goal Rashford has scored in the Premier League before and since the World Cup and shows how the forward has converted a slew of goals in, around and along the six-yard box.

The England international has also boosted his creative output, creating eight chances for team-mates since late December - with every single attempt hitting the target.

The England winger's iconic goal celebration suggests his refreshed and clear headspace has contributed to his scintillating form and his talents also appear to be coming to the fore under his new manager - but, to cite his manager's own words, can he maintain the focus to sustain his clinical run?

What's next?

Manchester United's attention now turns to their Europa League play-off second leg against Barcelona, with the Spanish league leaders visiting Old Trafford on Thursday; kick-off 8pm.

Erik ten Hag's side then take on Newcastle United at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 4.30pm.