Ten Hag is right! 'Unacceptable' Rashford behaviour wouldn't cut it at Fergie's Man Utd
Suraj Radia
- 4 Nov 2023 12:51 GMT
- 4 min read
Marcus Rashford has been left out of Manchester United’s squad for their game against Fulham following his poor start to the season and just days after being pictured out partying the night of his side’s heavy defeat to rivals Manchester City.
Rashford has scored just once in ten Premier League appearances since penning a new, lucrative contract in the summer and his decision to go to a nightclub hours after United had lost 0-3 at Old Trafford to City was described as ‘unacceptable’ by Erik ten Hag.
However, Rashford’s absence from the United squad is said to be injury-related, while Ten Hag has insisted the disciplinary issue is in the past and has been resolved internally.
'JOIN MAN CITY!': Rashford told he would be better playing for United's rivals
The incident was simply unfortunate timing for Rashford, with the England international attending pre-planned celebrations for his 26th birthday under the impression that United would have the following day off from training, as per standard procedure.
But the dismal showing against City led to Ten Hag cancelling their day off and leaving Rashford perhaps portraying United in a bad light, which he subsequently apologised for.
Although Rashford’s decision was at worst misguided, the optics of causing more controversy for United at a tense period is something that even Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t have stood for and is a sign that the forward needs to focus more on his club to turnaround his and their fortunes.
Rashford failing his responsibilities as senior United star
Rashford was rewarded for his career-high 30 goals last season with a five-year deal in the summer on wages of around £325,000-per-week, putting him amongst United’s highest earners.
The commitment by United should have marked a turning point for Rashford to go from the ‘starboy’ academy graduate to a senior professional who leads by example for younger players.
While footballers are humans and should not generate controversy for simply trying to have a life outside football – especially pre-planned birthday celebrations – Rashford’s standing as a boyhood United fan, on high wages and in dismal form on the back of a home thrashing in a local derby should have taken precedent over any parties.
🚨 Ten Hag on Rashford partying after 0-3 derby defeat: “I am aware of it, also spoke with him about it. Unacceptable”.
“Marcus apologised, that’s it. It’s an internal matter”.
“He is very motivated to put things right. He makes a mistake but he’s totally with us, all good”. pic.twitter.com/FQRkt59qBn— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 3, 2023
Seeing players out celebrating in public the night of a devastating loss would only pile more pressure on Ten Hag, who has already dealt with plenty of disciplinary issues during his time at United.
DOUBTS: 'United dressing room never trusted Ten Hag'
The Dutchman may not have the commanding presence of Ferguson but his description of Rashford’s behaviour as unacceptable is a sign that he shares similar values to the United legend.
Rashford now needs to do his apologising on the pitch and start to fulfil his role of being an ambassador for the club instead of a symbol of everything going wrong at Old Trafford.
