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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Dan Marsh

Marcus Rashford names his best position and goal target under Erik ten Hag at Man Utd

Marcus Rashford has hinted that he would like to continue playing on the left-hand side of Manchester United's three-pronged attack after starring in Tuesday night's comprehensive 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Rashford, 25, nudged Erik ten Hag's side into a 19th minute lead before teeing up Anthony Martial just four minutes later. Fred added a third in the second-half for United, who picked up where they left off before the mid-season World Cup break.

Ten Hag has played a major part in helping Rashford recapture his best form since his arrival at Old Trafford: Rashford's strike against Forest means the United academy graduate has already plundered 10 goals in 21 games this term - double his tally from last season.

Rashford has deputised in a No.9 role for United this term in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has since left the club. But he thrived on the left-hand side against Forest - a role he feels that he is best suited to.

Speaking to Amazon Prime after the match, Rashford said: "I think it depends on opposition, it depends on the personality you’re playing against. More often than not I prefer to play on the left but if there’s a weakness in the middle or if there’s a certain player I feel I can exploit I like to have the freedom to move and do that.

"I feel comfortable in those positions, and I want to score goals. Every forward has a number they want to try and reach. For me it’s to score more than I’ve ever scored in a season so for me I think it’s 22, 23. I need to try and keep scoring and affecting the games."

Join the debate! What do you think is Rashford's best position? Let us know here.

Marcus Rashford impressed again in Manchester United's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest (Manchester United YouTube)

United are expected to bolster their attacking options in January following Ronaldo's exit but look set to miss out on long-term target Cody Gakpo, who is now on the cusp of a move to Liverpool.

The Netherlands' World Cup star was tipped to land a big move in the winter transfer window and had previously come close to linking up with Ten Hag at Old Trafford back in the summer.

But Gakpo is now poised to join Jurgen Klopp's side after they thrashed out an agreement with PSV Eindhoven for the coveted forward, who had already chalked up 30 goal involvements in just 24 games prior to the mid-season break.

Ten Hag confirmed to Amazon Prime that United are "always in the market" for new players after the win against Forest. He said: "We do what we can. I don't talk about individual cases. We are looking for a striker, it would be good with so many games coming. We want to stay in all the leagues we are in. So you need numbers."

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