Ruben Amorim learns 'first priority' at Man United is job Erik ten Hag couldn't solve

Ruben Amorim has been tasked with doing something Erik ten Hag failed to do at Manchester United: get the best out of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

Both Rashford and Fernandes have underwhelmed so far this season, with the former failing to register a shot in his first three league games and the latter struggling with discipline issues on the pitch. And with Amorim preparing to take the reins on November 11, the pair will need to get their act together amid whispers the Sporting CP coach is considering making a series of sweeping changes to the team.

Speaking to Lucky Block, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink emphasised the importance of getting Fernandes and Rashford back to their peak: "I think I expect more from Rashford and from Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United," he said.

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"I'm expecting more from Marcus Rashford because I know Rashford can do much more," the Dutchman, 52, added. "Marcus Rashford is an exceptional player we just haven't seen enough of it and I also think that he is the type of player that should be a leader within the Manchester United team."

Rashford, 27, was arguably the standout performer in Ten Hag's inaugural season at Old Trafford in 2022/23, netting an impressive 30 goals across all competitions, including 17 in the Premier League. His contributions were also pivotal in securing a top-four finish for United and clinching the EFL Cup.

However, the England forward experienced a stark decline last season, with his goal tally dropping to just eight, coinciding with United's disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League their lowest ever. The current season has continued in a similar vein, with club captain Fernandes, 30, also struggling, having received two red cards within a week - though the one issued during a 3-0 loss to Tottenham was later overturned.

"He [Rashford] has the personality and the charisma to do that [be a leader] he can carry that team and take the responsibility as the club's main goal scorer," Hasselbaink continued. "He has that in his locker. Hopefully, we can see him start to show the talent that he has this season because there is still plenty of time for him to have a big, big impact.

"With a new manager coming into the club, the first thing he will be looking to do is to get more out of his big players, and that starts with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford."

Amorim will make his managerial debut for the club against Ipswich Town on Sunday, November 24. As for Rashford and Fernandes and whether they feature in the Portuguese coach's plans, time will tell.

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