“This marks the initial instance where I, as a manager, feel deceived by a player. I sensed an issue when Rashford fell ill unexpectedly. It’s not just about partying; he engaged in something that the club had prohibited years ago.” – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expresses a blunt response regarding Marcus Rashford’s absence against Newport, conveying his displeasure with the England international.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has provided clarification on the absence of forward Marcus Rashford from the squad for their FA Cup clash against Newport County.

Rashford is reported to be unwell and has remained at Carrington instead of joining the team in south Wales. Recent photographs showed Rashford at a nightclub in Northern Ireland on consecutive nights, raising speculation about a potential breach of the club’s disciplinary rules.

Regarding Rashford’s absence, Ten Hag stated, “It’s an internal matter. I will deal with it.” The manager has faced controversies since joining Old Trafford, with notable players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho previously breaching team rules. Ronaldo departed in January 2023 after a televised interview with Piers Morgan, while current winger Sancho is on loan at Borussia Dortmund, dealing with tensions related to his training levels under Ten Hag.

Rashford recently secured a lucrative contract extension with Manchester United in 2023, emerging as the team’s top scorer across all competitions last season with an impressive tally of 30 goals. However, he has struggled to replicate that form in the current season, sparking debates about his performance within the squad.

Manager Erik ten Hag, expressing confidence in Rashford, acknowledged the player’s current dissatisfaction and emphasized the high expectations both the team and Rashford himself have. Despite Rashford’s slower start to the season, Ten Hag remains optimistic about his return to peak form. The manager believes that as the overall team performance improves, Rashford will regain his scoring touch and contribute significantly.