Erik ten Hag has reiterated that the Marcus Rashford case is now closed as an internal matter. The manager also stressed Manchester United players need to maintain discipline off the pitch as well as on it.
High expectations come to those who are blessed enough to play for Manchester United. Perhaps Rashford needs to be reminded that he’s got the world at his best and has the honour of playing regularly on the biggest stage.
Opting to head out to a Belfast nightclub in the lead up to an FA Cup fourth-round tie did Rashford no favours last week. It has led to him being fined two weeks’ wages of £650,000 and dropped for the 4-2 win over Newport County on Sunday.
Ten Hag had a meeting with Rashford and his brother and adviser, Dwayne Maynard, at Carrington on Monday. The situation has been resolved and Rashford is available for selection when United travel to Wolves on Thursday night.
“So he has taken responsibility and for the rest, it’s an internal matter. Case closed,” Ten Hag told reporters, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
“It’s nothing to do with [a lack of respect] but as I said, let’s focus on the game, let’s move on. The statement is clear and we have to focus on winning football games.
“Nothing to do with [discipline] with me but in football, you need discipline and that is on the pitch but also off the pitch. There is a line between, when every player, every professional knows this, what is required.
“We have to focus on winning football games and that’s well that matters and every top professional knows what is required.”
While Ten Hag issued a clear warning to Rashford and his team-mates, he also believes there is reason to be optimistic about the forward’s form. The boss is confident Rashford is developing a promising partnership with summer singing Rasmus Hojlund.
Ten Hag added: “The last two Premier League games: two goals, an assist.
“There is a developing, strong bond between Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford and we want to continue that process.”
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
