Erik ten Hag didn’t hold back when it came to celebrating Marcus Rashford’s 100th goal for Manchester United.
The Dutch coach has been having a good time of late as his side are now unbeaten across their last eight matches. United currently find themselves fifth in the table and just one point off fourth place.
Rashford’s thumping header was a landmark goal for himself as he joined an elite list of players to have scored 100 goals for the Red Devils.
Speaking after the West Ham victory the 25-year-old was pleased to reach the landmark.
The striker told Sky Sports: “It’s been on my mind the last couple of games. I’ve been waiting for it to come and thankfully it did today.
“It’s a completely different energy around the whole club and training ground.
“That for a start puts me in a better head space. I just feel really motivated now, last year I struggled at times with things off the pitch and wasn’t mentally right.”
Rashford isn’t exactly known for his aerial prowess, but he took the goal well. Christian Eriksen was on the money with his delivery and the United forward rose above Thilo Kehrer at the far post.
Of Rashford’s 100 United goals, only seven of them have been scored with his head.
He has been thriving in Ten Hag’s new system though and has looked back to his best this season. In 15 appearances under the new manager, he has already scored seven goals.
It’s no secret that Rashford struggled to find his form last year, but he is now back on track.
When Ten Hag was asked if Rashford could become an elite player, he responded: “I think he is already.
“Before you’re 25, to score 100 goals, I think you’re already there, but he won’t be satisfied with that.
“In the end it’s about how many trophies you win with your club and I think he can develop his game even more.
“When you see he made two headers (in the game) for instance and we have worked a lot on that,” Ten Hag added.
“I notified him from the start, his heading had to improve and he worked on that and you can see what’s happening.
“Also mentally, he’s much more consistent and reliable and resilient. I’m really happy with the progress.
“For me he’s already massive, a great player, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement and where it ends I don’t know, but it will be a fantastic career I’m sure.”
Ten Hag’s reaction to Rashford’s goal was a brilliant mix of shock, jubilation and pride.