In recent months, one of the most exciting and talked-about stories in football has been the remarkable transformation of Marcus Rashford—the England and Manchester United forward—under the guidance of Benni McCarthy, the South African football legend and current first-team coach at Manchester United.

Rashford, who has been struggling with consistency for a few seasons, found his form again in 2023-2024, leading to impressive performances and a renewed sense of confidence.

Many attribute this resurgence to McCarthy’s influence, which has been crucial in getting Rashford back to his peak.

So, how exactly did Benni McCarthy help Marcus Rashford rediscover his best form?

In this article, we’ll break down the coaching tactics, mindset changes, and training adjustments that have contributed to Rashford’s revival.

Who is Benni McCarthy? A Brief Overview

Before diving into how McCarthy helped Rashford, it’s important to understand Benni McCarthy’s background and why his advice and methods hold weight.

Benni McCarthy is one of South Africa’s most celebrated footballers, widely regarded as the greatest striker the country has ever produced.

Known for his lethal finishing and technical ability, McCarthy had a successful career that spanned top clubs in Europe, including Ajax, Celta Vigo, FC Porto, and Blackburn Rovers.

He also enjoyed a long international career with South Africa, earning over 70 caps and scoring 31 goals.

After retiring from playing, McCarthy transitioned into coaching. His coaching career began with a managerial role at Cape Town City in the South African Premier Division, where he quickly made a name for himself as a promising coach. In 2022, he was appointed by Erik ten Hag as a first-team coach at Manchester United, specifically focusing on the attacking players and strikers.

How Benni McCarthy Helped Marcus Rashford Find His Form Again

1. Tactical Adjustments: Focus on Finishing and Composure

One of the most notable improvements in Marcus Rashford’s game has been his clinical finishing. Under McCarthy’s guidance, Rashford’s finishing has become more precise and effective, particularly when it comes to one-on-one situations in front of goal.

McCarthy, known for his goal-scoring prowess during his playing days, has worked closely with Rashford to fine-tune his ability to convert chances into goals. Here are some key aspects of McCarthy’s influence:

Finishing Under Pressure: McCarthy’s emphasis has been on making Rashford more composed when finishing in high-pressure situations. By simulating match scenarios in training, McCarthy has helped Rashford develop a cooler head when faced with goal-scoring opportunities, allowing him to finish with more confidence and accuracy.
Positioning and Movement: McCarthy has focused on improving Rashford’s movement off the ball. Rashford, who was already known for his pace, now has more intelligent runs, often getting into better positions to receive passes in dangerous areas. This positional awareness has made him even more of a threat in the final third.
Chipping in with Goals: Under McCarthy’s guidance, Rashford’s goal-scoring tally in 2023-2024 has seen a significant improvement, with the England forward scoring regularly in both domestic and international competitions.

2. Restoring Confidence: A Mentality Shift

Rashford’s drop in form during the previous seasons was often attributed to a lack of confidence. Having started his Manchester United career with such promise, the pressure to live up to expectations took a toll on his performance.

McCarthy’s role as a mentor has been crucial in helping Rashford regain his mental resilience. Through one-on-one talks and motivating Rashford to focus on his strengths rather than his mistakes, McCarthy has helped Rashford overcome the self-doubt that plagued him.

Positive Reinforcement: One of McCarthy’s strengths as a coach is his ability to build confidence in his players. By focusing on what Rashford does well, McCarthy has helped the young forward ignore negative external criticism and focus on his abilities.
Mindset of a Goal-Scorer: As someone who has been a prolific goal-scorer himself, McCarthy has instilled in Rashford the mindset of a player who expects to score every time they step on the pitch. This shift in mentality has been crucial in helping Rashford regain his goal-scoring form.

3. Understanding Rashford’s Strengths: Playing to His Assets

One of the things McCarthy has done is recognize and exploit Rashford’s best qualities: his blistering pace, dribbling ability, and sharp instincts in the box.

Utilizing Pace: Rashford’s pace has always been one of his standout attributes, and McCarthy has tailored training to make the most of it. By encouraging Rashford to make direct runs at defenders, use his pace to break through defensive lines, and stretch opposition defenses, McCarthy has made Rashford a more dynamic and dangerous player in counter-attacks.
Fostering Creativity: McCarthy has also encouraged Rashford to become a more creative player. While Rashford’s primary role has been as a goal-scorer, McCarthy has pushed him to be more versatile and contribute to the buildup play, helping him become a more well-rounded forward who can both score and create goals for others.

4. Tactical Flexibility: Adapting to New Roles

Rashford’s adaptability on the field has been another key factor in his resurgence. McCarthy has helped him evolve by working on his versatility—allowing him to thrive in different attacking roles. Under the guidance of McCarthy and manager Erik ten Hag, Rashford has been deployed in various positions across the attack, including as a wide forward and as a central striker.

McCarthy’s tactical insight has helped Rashford understand how to be effective in multiple attacking roles. Whether playing as a traditional winger, a cutting-edge inside forward, or even as a lone striker, McCarthy’s advice has allowed Rashford to remain a constant threat.

5. Building a Strong Relationship with Ten Hag

While McCarthy has been an important mentor for Rashford, the close relationship between the two coaches, Benni McCarthy and Erik ten Hag, has been integral to Rashford’s return to form. Both coaches have worked together to help Marcus find his best position and understand his role within the team’s overall tactical setup.

Ten Hag’s structured approach combined with McCarthy’s expertise in attacking play has allowed Rashford to feel more confident and settled in the team, enabling him to flourish in his natural role.

Rashford’s Impact in 2023-2024

Since working with McCarthy, Rashford’s performances have been nothing short of impressive. In the 2023-2024 season, Rashford has rediscovered his goal-scoring touch, finding the back of the net in several key matches for Manchester United. His pace, movement, and finishing have been key assets in the team’s attacking success.

Moreover, Rashford’s contribution has been felt on the international stage as well. His return to form has been a welcome sight for England, where he has become a key player for Gareth Southgate’s squad ahead of major international tournaments.

Conclusion: Benni McCarthy’s Influence on Rashford’s Resurgence

Benni McCarthy has played a pivotal role in helping Marcus Rashford rediscover his peak form, both mentally and physically. Through targeted training, tactical adjustments, and a focus on Rashford’s strengths, McCarthy has been instrumental in bringing the best out of the young forward.

With McCarthy’s guidance, Rashford has not only found his goal-scoring ability again but also developed a new sense of confidence and self-belief. As a result, Rashford is once again one of Manchester United’s most dangerous players, and his resurgence is a testament to the effectiveness of McCarthy’s coaching methods.

With this new partnership continuing to thrive, Rashford’s future looks bright, and it’s clear that McCarthy’s influence will remain a key factor in his continued development.

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