Marcus Rashford echoes Ten Hag's trophy message with Carabao Cup Final comments

24 February 2023 , 22:30

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Marcus Rashford echoes Ten Hag's trophy message with Carabao Cup Final comments

Marcus Rashford says victory in tomorrow's EFL Cup final can open the door to a return to the glory days for Manchester United.

United are aiming to end their six-year wait for silverware and secure a first trophy under Erik ten Hag when they take on Newcastle at Wembley. Rashford has endured false dawns at United before, winning the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League, only for the team to regress after those triumphs.

But under new boss Ten Hag, who has transformed United in his first season in charge, Rashford is convinced long-term success is on the horizon.

“I think that's the aim,” said Rashford. “It gives you that winning feeling and the belief you can go on and win more trophies. I think now we have it and it's a good position to be in as a player, because you feel like your aims and objectives are reachable, so I'm pleased we're in this position.

“When we played the first game of the EFL Cup, we didn't want to get to the final and lose, we wanted to go and win the tournament. When we've done well in tournaments or an individual does well in a tournament and you don't win it, it's all for nothing.

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“We want the performances we've had in the tournament so far to count for something and the only way to do that is to go on and win the trophy.”

His comments echo those of his manager, who in an interview with Robin van Persie this week insisted that he doesn't want compliments: From compliments you don't collect trophies - and that's why we are here!"

Marcus Rashford is on the same page as his manager when it comes to United's desire for trophies (Getty Images)

Rashford, who has a career-best 24 goals already this season, including 16 in his last 17 games, said failure to lift the trophy today is not an option for United.

“Every opportunity to step out onto the pitch is an opportunity to win and at this club you don't settle for anything less,” said Rashford.

“When we lose games or draw games, it's not good enough. A draw feels like a loss anyway. Every time we're on the pitch, you're trying to win. The most important game is always the next game. It's all about the next one and keeping the momentum going.”

David McDonnell