Erik Ten Hag disagrees that starting Marcus Rashford tonight at Wolves will send out the wrong message and pointed to his absence at Newport, where he rejected the player’s offer to travel down on Sunday after two days off ill.
The 26-year-old missed training last Friday and was absent from Sunday’s 4-2 FA Cup fourth-round win against Newport County after he had reportedly been spotted at nightspots in Belfast earlier in the week.
“I didn’t pick him on Sunday,” the United boss added. “We draw the line and from that point on we move on.
“He has taken responsibility and for the rest it is an internal matter,” Ten Hag told reporters on Wednesday. “Case closed.”
Rashford has had a difficult season scoring four goals after his career-high 30 last year. Ten Hag was asked if the player’s behaviour shows a lack of respect for the club.
“It is nothing to do with that,” the manager said. “Let’s focus on the game … we have to focus on winning football games.
“In football you need discipline on the pitch but also off the pitch — there is a line between. Every professional knows what is required. We have to focus on winning football games, that’s all that matters. Every top professional knows what is required.”
On the plus side, Ten Hag highlighted the fact that Rashford has scored in each of their last two league games — a 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest and 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur — in addition to getting an assist.
“He is developing a strong bond with (fellow forward) Rasmus Hojlund and we want to continue that process,” Ten Hag added.
United will have Andre Onana back this evening – the goalkeeper featured in just one of Cameroon’s four games at the Africa Cup of Nations, where they went out in the last 16.
Stay here for all the team news, pre-match analysis and action, with kick-off set for 8.15.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
