Former Manchester United coach Rene Muelensteen has explained how Sir Alex Ferguson would have managed to get the best out of Marcus Rashford, who he feels ‘has enormous natural ability’.
Muelensteen worked alongside the legendary United manager between 2007 – 2013, picking up countless trophies.
Sir Alex was famed for his man-management skills, and Muelensteen believes his old boss’ ability to understand what his players needed would have made the difference during a period of instability for the England international.
During a candid chat with BestBettingSites, Muelensteen also tipped Rashford to shut up his critics, including ex-pro Graham Souness, who has repeatedly slammed the player in media interviews over the last few years.
Muelensteen also outlined how he thinks Rashford can get back to his best.
Master of player management
The former Fulham manager said: “Sir Alex Ferguson was an absolute master of player management.
“He knew exactly which players needed an arm around them, which ones needed challenging, and which ones needed protecting.
“His primary focus was always protecting the team’s performances, but if a player’s form started to stutter, he’d want to get to the root of why they weren’t happy.
“Marcus probably would have been someone who needed an arm around him and a bit of protection, especially when his off-field community work took off.
“Giving meals to school kids was very admirable, but it moves you into another realm of fame, which can naturally take focus away from your primary job: playing football.
“Sir Alex would have worked very hard to protect a talent like that to ensure it didn’t go to waste.
“He would have reassured him: ‘You are at the right club, you belong here, and we will get the best out of you.’
Massive opportunity
When discussing pundit Souness’ views on Rashford, Muelensteen added: “Graeme Souness’ comments come from the perspective of how he was as a player.
“Souness was someone who always took ultimate responsibility for his own performances; he never looked at anybody else.
“So I can see where he’s coming from.
“Every player ultimately has to take responsibility for their career, but Marcus is back at Manchester United now, and this is a massive opportunity for him to show what he’s worth to the club.
“Marcus has the opportunity to show everyone the player that we know he can be and has been for Manchester United in the past.
“I’m confident that he will do that and, by doing that, it will quieten down the noise around him from ex-players and the media.”
Natural ability
Rashford has looked sharp under Michael Carrick so far this season, and Muelensteen said: “Talent has never been the question with Marcus – he has enormous natural ability.
“What he needs now is consistency and to show people that he’s enjoying playing for Manchester United again.
“Having known him since he was a young kid coming through the doors, he was always a boy who couldn’t stop smiling.
“Under previous managers, there were times where it looked like he wasn’t enjoying himself. If he gets that happiness back, you’ll see the Marcus of old.”
READ NEXT: Man Utd: ‘Management is an incredibly difficult job’ – René Meulensteen backs Michael Carrick
