BENNI McCARTHY says he brought the best out of Marcus Rashford — by making him smile.
The South African spent two years on Manchester United’s coaching staff, which coincided with Rashford’s career-best 30-goal haul in 2022-23.
AlamyMarcus Rashford is now on loan at Aston Villa[/caption]
GettyBenni McCarthy was a Man Utd coach when Rashford was at his best[/caption]
The forward, 27, hit just eight last season and is rebuilding his career on loan at Aston Villa.
Former Blackburn striker McCarthy, 47, said: “That season when he scored 30 goals, when he stepped on to the pitch, he’s got a bit of a smile on his face. And I’m always smiling.
“I think it becomes a little bit infectious. You can’t be angry around someone like me. Rashy was in his element.
“He asked me for advice and it was nice that I was able to be there for him.
“After that, I don’t know what happened. He just went back into his shell and was unapproachable.”
Meanwhile, Villa chief Unai Emery reckons Rashford is “adapting fantastically” following his arrival in the last transfer window.
The 60-cap Englishman made his first start in Wednesday’s thrilling 2-2 home Prem draw with leaders Liverpool, as did fellow loanee Marcos Asensio.
Emery said: “They played good. They played 60-65 minutes so it’s another step forward from them by getting confidence and minutes, knowing the players and the idea.”
GettyRashford was axed under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford but had thrived at his boyhood club while McCarthy was a coach[/caption]
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In contrast, McCarthy believes United’s current situation is nothing to grin about.
Under-fire manager Ruben Amorim was forced to pick a bench packed with teenagers last time out, as Sunday’s 1-0 Prem loss at Tottenham plunged the Red Devils to 15th.
McCarthy said: “The Spurs match was very depressing.
” It was sad to see, especially when you’ve just left the club not so long ago and then you see all the injured players.
“You look at the bench and you don’t see that option to change things.
“Yes, it’s great for the young players that they get in that kind of opportunity. But you know, we’re in the business of winning games.
“When you just look at the bench, you can’t see where anything is going to come from. Because Antony’s gone out on loan, Marcus Rashford’s gone out on loan, Jadon Sancho is gone, Anthony Martial’s left.”
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