Erik ten Hag issues demand to Marcus Rashford after talks over Man Utd antics
Erik ten Hag has reminded Manchester United's players of the need for discipline off the pitch after Marcus Rashford's latest off-field indiscretion.
Rashford was dropped from United's 4-2 FA Cup win at Newport on Sunday, after calling in sick for training on Friday, having been out at a Belfast nightclub until the early hours.
United issued a statement on Monday, stating Rashford had “taken responsibility for his actions” after an internal disciplinary process, with the striker back in training and available for selection.
The England striker is understood to have been fined two weeks' wages – around £700,000 – with United boss Ten Hag issuing a broader warning in the wake of Rashford's ill-advised escapade.
“So he has taken responsibility and for the rest it's an internal matter,” said Ten Hag. “Case closed.”
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Asked if Rashford's conduct pointed to lack of respect towards him, Ten Hag said: “It's nothing to do with that but let's focus on the game, let's move on.
“The statement is clear and we have to focus on winning football games.” When pushed on the issue of discipline off the field, Ten Hag said: “In football, you need discipline - that is on the pitch but also off the pitch.
“There is a line between, when every player, every professional knows this, what is required. We have to focus on winning football games, that's what matters and every top professional knows what is required.”
Marcus Rashford is not in Manchester United's good books at the moment (Getty Images)Rashford plundered a career-best 30 goals last season but has managed just four from 26 appearances this season. But Ten Hag said Rashford's recent form, two goals and an assist in his last two Premuer League games, showed the 26-year-old is getting back to his best form, despite his recent controversy.
“So his last two Premier League games he has two goals and an assist,” said Ten Hag. “There is a developing, strong bond between Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund and we want to continue that process.”
United face Wolves tomorrow and Ten Hag said: “We are quite confident and on our best days we can beat anyone.
“On our worst days, we go down to certain limits of what is not acceptable, so we have to push our limits to high levels and on our worst days get our results in.
“Everyone in the squad is very convinced about this. They know players are coming back from long-term injuries and the team will be stronger.
“It helps the motivation and it helps the mood and the spirit of the team. Every game we have to see as a final and every game we have to get the best out of it and this team has so much experience, so they know that.
“I'm quite positive now we have our players back. Some need match rhythm, but the line into this game is quite good. The build up is quite good for those players, so now we have to make the next step so individuals get back to their best form.”
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