“I don’t think anyone outside the club knows how long I had been dealing with these issues.” If Marcus Rashford performs like never before in his career since his return from the World Cup in Qatar, the Manchester United striker has experienced dark periods. On Saturday, the Daily Mail shared the discomfort experienced by the English striker in recent years.
After playing in the Euro final in July 2021, Marcus Rashford suffered from physical glitches. Affected by a muscle tear in the left shoulder, the Englishman admits to having experienced a physical and mental ordeal at that time.
Completed with only 5 goals and 2 assists, Marcus Rashford’s 2021-2022 fiscal year was nothing like the promises left by his early career. The player was also followed by a sports psychologist for months in order to regain his self-confidence. But the evil was apparently deeper.
“It wasn’t just one season. It was a period when every day was difficult and where you just had to sacrifice yourself, testifies the Mancunian striker. I’ve always been one to try to be on the pitch as much as possible. This is where I get happiness. If I’m hurt, I’m not happy. So, I prefer to try to manage the pain as long as I can perform and help the team. »
He worked a lot on his mind
But after a while, the will is no longer enough. Operated on the shoulder, he was only able to return to the pitch three months later. Last summer, he went to Oregon (USA) to work more than his teammates. Marcus Rashford has worked a lot on his mind. Something he now highlights in his celebrations, index finger pointing to the temple.
“Football is probably 95% linked to your mentality,” he argues. For me, that’s it. It gives you the basis to perform. There are a lot of players who have talent, but what sets them apart is the mentality. With 16 goals in 18 games since returning from the World Cup in Qatar, Rashford has regained a self-confidence that seems unshakable.
“I’m just in the areas to score goals more consistently,” says Rashford. The staff tell you about this unique chance, constantly reminding me to continue. If the ball doesn’t come, don’t worry, believe it will come, because it will only come once. As a striker, that’s sometimes the game.” He will have another opportunity to prove he is the man of the moment on Sunday for the League Cup final against Newcastle. Hoping he can play it, after coming out on injury against FC Barcelona on Thursday in the Europa League.