Erik ten Hag says Marcus Rashford made an ‘unacceptable’ mistake going out to a nightclub

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said that it was unacceptable for Marcus Rashford to go out to a nightclub following his side’s heavy derby defeat to Manchester City last Sunday, but insists there is no issue between the pair.

United were brushed aside by their neighbours at Old Trafford last week with Erling Haaland scoring twice in a 3-0 win to heap more misery on his side’s city rivals. Reports in the following days revealed Rashford held his birthday celebrations at a Manchester night spot later that night – an event that had been arranged prior to the game.

Rashford Apologizes to Ten Hag

Discussing the incident on Friday, ten Hag said it was unacceptable from the England international to head out after the heavy defeat but insisted the matter is now resolved.

“Yes I am aware of it, I spoke with him about it. It is unacceptable. I told them, he apologised and that is it. It is an internal matter,” ten Hag said.

Quizzed further, ten Hag added: “As I say, It is an internal matter. He is fitting in. He is very motivated to put things right. I know how much effort he is putting in. He makes a mistake but that doesn’t say he is not fitting in.”

Rashford Benched for Midweek Defeat

Rashford has scored just one goal this season after hitting 30 last term. The 26-year-old was benched for the midweek defeat to Newcastle United but ten Hag insists that decision was not a punishment.

“No (he wasn’t dropped against Newcastle because of the party), you have seen we rotated more and he is our intention to position him lower or deeper (in opposition territory) on the pitch,” Ten Hag said.

“He has to position close to the opponent’s goals because there are his qualities and we have to get him there and he has to make his movements to arrive at the right time.”

United Take on Fulham Saturday Afternoon

United take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon with United in desperate need of a positive result after a damaging week.

Conclusion

It remains to be seen if Marcus Rashford will be included in the starting lineup against Fulham, but it appears that Erik ten Hag has accepted his apology and is willing to move on from the incident. United will be desperate for a positive result after a difficult week, and they will be hoping that Rashford can help them get back on track.