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Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford was conspicuously absent from their recent FA Cup fourth-round fixture against Newport County.
The Premier League club cited his absence as due to illness, but manager Erik ten Hag referred to it as an “internal matter.”
This sparked speculation about the true reason behind Rashford’s absence, with reports suggesting that he was spotted partying in a Belfast nightclub.
Rashford’s Absence and Ten Hag’s Response
United released a statement before the match stating that Rashford had “stayed at Carrington to train as he recovers.”
However, Ten Hag’s comments during a press conference hinted at a more complicated situation.
When asked about Rashford’s absence, the manager stated, “It’s an internal matter. I will deal with it.”
He reiterated this stance after the match, emphasizing that he would handle the situation internally.
Rashford’s Performance and Previous Disciplinary Issues
Rashford, named United’s Player of the Year in the previous season, has been a key contributor to the team with four goals and six assists in all competitions this season.
However, this is not the first time Rashford’s conduct has raised eyebrows.
Earlier in the season, Ten Hag expressed his disappointment when Rashford participated in birthday celebrations following a defeat against Manchester City.
The manager described Rashford’s behavior as “unacceptable” and had a conversation with him about it.
Concerns for Rashford’s Future
Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer expressed concerns about Rashford’s behavior and its potential impact on his career.
Shearer emphasized the need for strong management to guide Rashford and prevent his talent from going to waste.
He urged for a resolution to any underlying issues between Rashford and the club, stating, “He can’t waste his talent. It needs sorting and it needs sorting now.”
Ten Hag’s Approach to Discipline
Ten Hag has previously encountered disciplinary issues during his tenure at United.
Jadon Sancho, another player who fell out with the Dutch manager, was sent back to Borussia Dortmund on loan.
Ten Hag has acknowledged that there was a “no-good culture” when he arrived at United in 2022.
However, he chose not to go deep into the specifics of Rashford’s situation, focusing instead on the team’s performance and moving forward.
Manchester United’s Brilliant Performance
Despite Rashford’s absence, United managed to secure a 4-2 victory against Newport County.
The League Two team put up a strong fight, coming back from a two-goal deficit to level the score.
However, United showed determination and composure, ultimately securing their place in the next round of the FA Cup.
Ten Hag praised the team’s character and their ability to remain calm under pressure.
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