Erik ten Hag has branded Marcus Rashford's decision to attend a birthday party at a nightclub hours after Manchester United's 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City as 'unacceptable'. The Manchester United manager confirmed he spoke with the forward, who apologised for his actions.
Ten Hag declined to say whether Rashford had been fined, calling the matter internal. It is not the first time Rashford's off-field conduct has been questioned; last season he was dropped from the starting XI against Wolves for lateness. Ten Hag insisted the 26-year-old remains committed, saying: 'He is very motivated to put things right.'
The manager confirmed Rashford is available for Saturday's trip to Fulham, but Casemiro will be sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury. Ten Hag denied that benching Rashford for Wednesday's Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle was a disciplinary measure, pointing to other regulars also being rested.
United have lost five of ten home games and sit eighth in the Premier League, eight points off the Champions League places. Ten Hag defended the club's structure and dismissed suggestions his job is under threat, saying: 'We have to win every game. I trust the players.'
Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's proposed £1.3 billion purchase of a 25 per cent stake in United includes an initial £245 million investment to upgrade Old Trafford.
