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Marcus Rashford’s decision to celebrate his birthday at a nightclub just hours after the Manchester derby was deemed “unacceptable” by Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag.
Rashford was part of the Red Devils’ 3-0 loss to Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, playing 86 minutes against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Hours after the derby defeat, the England international attended a pre-planned birthday party at an exclusive Manchester nightclub.
Ten Hag claimed during his press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Fulham that Rashford’s behavior was “unacceptable” and that the attacker had “apologized.”
“I am aware of it.” I discussed it with him. It’s not acceptable. I informed him, he apologized, and that was the end of it. “There will be no further comment; it is an internal matter,” Ten Hag told reporters on Friday.
However, the Dutchman emphasized that Rashford is aware of his demands, adding that the attacker “is doing everything right” to help the squad recover from a difficult start to the season.
“I believe your suggestion is incorrect. He’s blending in. He is driven to make things right. I am aware of how hard he is working. “He is completely on board with us,” the manager stated.
“So he makes a mistake, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t fit in.” I see what he’s doing every day. I know. He commits one error, yet he is also accomplishing something off the field. I’m confident he’s doing everything he can to help the squad, perform, and let us win.”
Ten Hag also disclosed that Rashford was “rotated” out of the starting lineup against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, rather than being dropped, before confirming that the Englishman will be available to face Fulham.
“We rotated more in that game [against Newcastle], and we have no plans to position him lower or deeper on the field.” “He has to be as close to the opponent’s goal as possible because those are his qualities,” remarked the manager.
“So [he is] extremely important to us and will greatly contribute to our success.” So we have to get him there as a team, and he also has to make his own motions to arrive at the correct times. So it’s all about his time, and I’m sure it’ll come back.”
Last season, the attacker shined for the Red Devils, scoring 30 goals and contributing 11 assists in 56 games across all competitions, and he earned a lucrative new contract in the summer.
Rashford, on the other hand, has struggled to make an impact throughout the 2023-24 season, with only one goal and three assists in 14 games across all competitions.
The attacker’s only goal of the season came against Arsenal in early September, after going scoreless in his previous six Premier League games.
