27 January 2024 , 23:03
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Manchester United and Marcus Rashford are set to face more questions over why he missed training on Friday after his midweek trip to Belfast.
Erik ten Hag and club officials were aware that Rashford had been out in the Northern Ireland capital on Wednesday night. Rashford had flown over after training at Carrington to visit former United youth team team-mate Ro-Shaun Williams, who had recently put pen to paper on a deal with Northern Irish reigning champions Larne. The pair and friends are understood to have visited Lavery's Bar on Bradbury Place.
Ten Hag's pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's FA Cup clash away at Newport County took place on Friday, with the Dutchman declaring the England star had missed training, saying simply: "Rashford was ill".
United were fine with Rashford's trip on Wednesday, as Thursday was a scheduled day off for the first team squad.
But footage on social media has subsequently showed Rashford at the Thompsons Garage club, claiming to be from Thursday night. The Sun claims he flew back on a private jet in the early hours of Friday - only to then miss training.
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This is not the first time the United striker has sparked headlines over a night out.
Less than three months ago, Ten Hag gave Rashford a public dressing down after the Red Devils academy graduate was seen a nightclub following a 3-0 home defeat by local rivals Manchester City.
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Manager Erik ten Hag admitted to the media that Marcus Rashford was too ill to train on Friday (Getty Images)The United boss explained: "I spoke with him about it. It’s unacceptable. He apologised and that is it. For us it’s an internal matter. He’s very motivated to put things right. He’s totally with us. He has made a mistake but that doesn’t say he’s not fitting in. I see him every day in training, what he’s doing, I know."
Manchester United declined to comment on the matter after being contacted by Mirror Football.