Marcus Rashford is enduring a lackluster beginning to the season, with only one goal to his name across all competitions so far. It’s possible that his dip in form has had an impact on his discipline and focus, as evidenced by his recent involvement in a midweek party.
Following Marcus Rashford’s midweek clubbing after the Manchester derby defeat, fans are dissatisfied. Nonetheless, Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag remains confident that Rashford’s promising displays in training will soon manifest on the field, and he believes the England forward will regain his top form
Ten Hag addresses Marcus Rashford’s actions
Marcus Rashford was absent from Manchester United’s match against Fulham due to an injury, which came a day after his manager, Erik ten Hag, criticized his behaviour as “unacceptable” in the lead-up to the game.
Rashford, who has only managed to score one goal this season, faced scrutiny from his manager for attending a birthday party shortly after last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City. Despite the team’s 3-0 loss to the champions, the striker was seen at a 26th birthday celebration in the city centre.
Ten Hag disclosed that he had a frank conversation with Rashford, during which the English international offered his apologies for the incident. When questioned about the party, Ten Hag confirmed, “Yes, I’m aware of it. I spoke with him about it.”
“It’s unacceptable. I told him, he apologised and that’s it. For us, it’s an internal matter. He’s fitting in, and he’s very motivated to put things right. I know how much effort he is putting in. He’s totally with us. So he makes a mistake, but that doesn’t mean he’s not fitting in.”
The Manager continued saying, “I see him every day in training, what he’s doing, so I know. He makes one mistake, but also, off the pitch, I see what he’s doing, how he lives, and I’m sure he’s doing everything right to help the team and to perform and to let us win.”
He further added that Marcus Rashford will travel with the squad but won’t feature, “He was travelling with us, but he’s not playing. We did a test this morning, and he wasn’t good enough. He’s not fit. [He would’ve started] Yes, we have to close that case. I’ve said everything about it.”
Fans slam Manchester United manager for preferential treatment
In the lead-up to Saturday’s match against Fulham, Ten Hag condemned Rashford’s behaviour as “unacceptable” in response to reports that the striker had attended a birthday celebration in the city centre the previous weekend.
Following his manager’s reprimand, Marcus Rashford did not pass a late fitness assessment and was consequently absent from Saturday’s match against Fulham. Rio Ferdinand suggests that had Rashford been fit to play at Craven Cottage, Ten Hag might have been tempted to take disciplinary measures against the forward.
While opinions are divided about Erik Ten Hag’s disciplinary measure, Rio Ferdinand told TNT Sports that Marcus Rashord did not feature against Fulham due to a knock.
“From what I understand, he had a medical test today, and he’s failed it due to a knock, a heavy knock to a dead leg. We were all primed up for the disciplinary decision to be made, to see what Ten Hag was going to do, but this looks like it’s been taken out of his hands.”
Some Manchester United fans believe it is unfair treatment, keeping Rashford amongst the squad despite his ‘lack of discipline.’ They believe Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo were dropped for an even lesser offence.
What’s your take on the ongoing situation with Marcus Rashford? Make sure to let us know in the comments.
