Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has put his weight behind Marcus Rashford despite his poor form. Rashford had failed to deliver the goods in the previous season, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 33 appearances in the Premier League.

The forward had two golden opportunities to put his team in front against derby rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup Community Shield but he squandered them. The Red Devils lost on penalties after Bernardo Silva found the late equalizer as Oscar Bobb provided a clever assist.

Ten Hag noted that Rashford got himself into good positions and feels the forward will gain confidence when he finds the back of the net.

“I think he was several times in very good positions,” Ten Hag said. “I’m very pleased he is getting in those positions. Keep going, keep making those movements and the team will make those movements, he will score goals.

“He’s experienced enough to deal with this and once he scores one, then the goals will come.”

The Dutchman was asked about potential new signings Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich but he dodged the question, stating his team is being troubled in their defense because of injury woes.

“When we have some news, we will announce it,” he said. “Until that point, we will work with the squad that is available. It’s clear we have problems and we have to work. The players have to work to be available and the staff have to work, together it should be a good collaboration with the players who are available.”

Ten Hag also shared his disappointment after not being able to cross the line against City.

“We are disappointed,” Ten Hag said. “We have to feel the pain and everyone feels the pain. That’s a good signal but also I see some positives.

“We performed well, we could’ve won this game, we were twice leading in the game and in the penalties but we lost and we’re disappointed. But we take the positives.”

United will begin their Premier League campaign against Fulham next week.