Rashford: I want to keep pushing

Friday 03 February 2023 15:00

Marcus Rashford is naturally pleased to have been named the Premier League’s Player of the Month for January, but his focus firmly remains on what’s ahead for him and his Manchester United team-mates.

The Reds forward, who won our own monthly award yesterday, received the league-wide accolade earlier today, following a fine start to 2023. 

In the league, Marcus netted three times in four appearances, including a derby winner at Manchester City's expense and a thunderbolt against leaders Arsenal that was nominated for the Premier League's Goal of the Month accolade.

Rashford on a joyous January Video

Rashford on a joyous January

Marcus reacts to being named the Premier League's Player of the Month, and previews what's ahead for United...

But Marcus isn’t dwelling on his January fortunes and is already targeting further success in the weeks ahead, with Crystal Palace next up for United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s obviously a nice feeling [to win the award],” Rashford told MUTV’s Mark Sullivan.

“For me, we’re entering one of the most important parts of the season, so I’m still looking to achieve a lot of things. Winning these types of achievements along the way always helps you to push forward and improve. 

“I’m hoping that I can continue to do that in the coming games.”
Marcus scored seven goals in eight games across all competitions in January, taking his total for the campaign to 18, as he helped United to progress in both the Carabao and FA Cups. But what has been the secret to our no.10’s success?

“I don’t know! It’s probably just being in the right place at the right time, consistently doing that,” replied Marcus modestly.

“Consistently being in the areas can be tough at times because the ball’s not always there. So you’re probably in there five, six, seven times before you get that one chance. It just shows the volume of work that you have to put in. 

“Like I said, I’m pleased that they’re going in and I feel confident enough to take the chances when they come so it’s about searching for that chance, and you have 95 minutes in a game to do it.”

Rashford claims Premier League award

 Article

Marcus has been recognised for his stellar showings across the month of January.

The 25-year-old’s recent fettle has been aligned with the success of Erik ten Hag’s side as a whole, with the Reds seemingly continuing to grow game by game. 

United lost just once in January and our in-form forward says that successful record is for multiple reasons, including the manager.

“[It is] probably a combination of a lot of things,” reckoned Rashford.

“I think the feeling of everything being new has settled and gone, that’s credit to the manager and his staff for creating that environment. That’s a big one, for players to settle in and feel more comfortable to try things and just be systematic. 

“The manager is obviously encouraging us to express ourselves on the pitch. I think it’s clear now that we have a way of playing, a clear identity of playing and he wants us to stick to it but in the right areas, go and express yourself and try things that can make a difference.”

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