Erik ten Hag told Marcus Rashford that he needs to live a healthy life if he wants to play his best for Manchester United again.

In United’s last two games, against Southampton and Barnsley, Rashford scored three goals. He seems to be back to the form that saw him score 30 goals in Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford.

But after signing a new £300,000-a-week deal, the 26-year-old’s results dropped alarmingly last season. Ten Hag scolded him for missing training after a 12-hour tequila binge in Belfast and going out with friends after United lost the Manchester derby in October.

Before the game against Crystal Palace on Saturday at Selhurst Park, Ten Hag was asked if Rashford had learned anything from the previous game.

He said, “I think he always knew, and every player knows because you can’t play if your life isn’t right.”

“If you don’t have a good, disciplined life away from Carrington, you won’t get the right levels.”

Rashford has gotten help from Ten Hag and his helper, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who used to play striker for Manchester United.

“Probably he needed some help like someone to back him up,” the United boss said.

“He has to do it by himself in the end.” He needs to fix his life, how he trains, and how he plays in the match. He is a class player, so when he sets his professionalism, he will do well.

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“Marcus Rashford knows how to get back on track when things go wrong. He knows how to set his career and his performance.” He took charge, and I believe he is now on his way back. He got off to a great start to the season and now needs to keep going and get better.

Rashford will be looking to be called up to the England team when interim manager Lee Carsley picks his team for the Nations League games against Greece and Finland next month.

“I think he will always be an option for every manager,” Ten Hag said. “But it’s not up to me.”