Erik ten Hag has described Marcus Rashford's decision to attend a birthday party at a nightclub hours after Manchester United's 3-0 defeat by Manchester City as 'unacceptable'. The forward celebrated his 26th birthday at Manchester's Chinawhite on Sunday evening, just after the derby loss.
Ten Hag confirmed he spoke with Rashford about the incident. 'I am aware of it, I spoke with him about it. It is unacceptable. I told him, he apologised and that is it. It is an internal matter,' the manager said. When asked if Rashford had been fined, Ten Hag reiterated it was an internal matter.
This is not the first time Rashford has faced disciplinary issues under Ten Hag; last season he was dropped from the starting XI against Wolves for late timekeeping. Despite this, Ten Hag dismissed suggestions that Rashford is out of tune with his demands. '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 mean he is not fitting in,' Ten Hag added.
Rashford is available for Saturday's trip to Fulham, but Casemiro will be out for several weeks with a hamstring injury. Ten Hag denied that Rashford's benching for the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle was a disciplinary measure, citing rotation. United have lost five of ten home games and sit eighth in the Premier League.
Ten Hag expressed confidence in his squad to turn the season around, pointing to their fighting spirit in the comeback win against Brentford. 'This dressing room is strong, the staff is strong and the manager is strong to put it right,' he said.
