Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag refused to discuss Marcus Rashford’s latest indiscretion, insisting it was “case closed”, but did acknowledge every professional footballer knows there is a line they must not cross.
Rashford missed training on Friday after being pictured in a Belfast nightclub on Thursday night and was subsequently left out of United’s squad for Sunday’s 4-2 FA Cup win at Newport County.
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Talks on Monday between club and player resolved the matter with a United statement saying Rashford had taken “responsibility for his actions” and was available for tomorrow night’s trip to Wolves.
Ten Hag was in no mood for embellishment, insisting “the statement is clear”.
When asked again about the England international, he said: “He has taken responsibility and for the rest it is an internal matter. Case closed.”
It is not Rashford’s first mis-step over the past few months, and asked if he felt the player had shown him a lack of respect, Ten Hag added: “It is nothing to do with that.
“As I say, let’s focus on the game. I think the statement is clear and we have to focus on winning football games.”
The former Ajax boss did admit, however, that players need to behave professionally away from the playing field if they are to be successful.
“In football you need discipline on the pitch but also off the pitch – there is a line between,” he said.
“Every professional knows what is required. We have to focus on winning football games, that’s all that matters. Every top professional knows what is required.
“The last two Premier League games, two goals and an assist – he [Rashford] is developing a strong bond with Rasmus Hojlund and we want to continue that process.”
🚨 Erik has issued his team news update for #WOLMUN, with @ANDREYONANA set to return 💪#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) JANUARY 31, 2024
United have suffered numerous injury problems this season but they are starting to clear up with Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Casemiro all in the squadolved at Newport.
United go to Wolves in ninth place in the Premier League, 11 points adrift of the top four, but Ten Hag is hoping having a fit squad to choose from will see them start to move up the table.
He added: “Every game we have to see as a final and every game we have to get the best out of it. This team has so much experience, they know that.
“I’m positive now we have our players back, although they need to get match-ready.
“We have to make the next step as a team and as individuals to get the performance. We know we have to catch up [on the top four].
“The team will be stronger. When we miss players in crucial positions it weakens the team, especially when you have to swap almost every game with the line-up.
“First of all, now we have to keep players fit; second, get them into form; and third, when we have all of that, the results will be better.”
Mason Mount remains sidelined through injury but goalkeeper Andre Onana is available following Cameroon’s exit from the African Cup of Nations.
