Erik ten Hag has encouraged Marcus Rashford to maintain his World Cup form now that Manchester United has begun their domestic season.
In the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday, United defeated Burnley 2-0 thanks to a precise single goal from Rashford.
His first game back after serving with England was this one.
Man United was able to move to the Carabao Cup quarterfinals as a result.
The 25-year-old attacker scored three goals in Qatar, and Ten Hag is optimistic that this is the start of a strong run.
“I think he is on an excellent level,” Ten Hag told a news conference on Wednesday. “His performances are improving a lot from game to game and I hope and expect him to keep going with his performance level.
“I think he invested a lot with runs behind the defending line and he scored a great goal with the dribble and a great finish, I think he is in great form and I hope he can keep his focus and performances.”
Rashford was one of five players picked by Ten Hag to face Championship side Burnley along with Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia despite only recently returning from the World Cup.
“You never know, and it’s always difficult after an international break,” Ten Hag added.
“Especially five weeks of not playing together – this team never played together today – but they played with our principles.
“We also created good chances for them, so we have to step up, and we have to do better.”
Before Rashford’s individual effort, Eriksen scored the first after a cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
It was Wan-Bissaka’s first start of the season after slipping behind Diogo Dalot in the pecking order. However, Ten Hag insists the former Crystal Palace can still play a part at Old Trafford despite talk of a January move to Wolves or West Ham United.
“It’s clear he has a future,” Ten Hag said. “He had some good years, but this season from the start, he had a lot of illnesses and injuries.
“His fitness levels are getting better, his performance levels are getting better, and the assist, especially the way he gave the assist, in the right moment and timing, I’m happy with his performance.”