After Manchester United’s disappointing 3-0 loss to Manchester City, Marcus Rashford’s birthday celebrations on Sunday night have come under scrutiny, with manager Erik ten Hag deeming them “unacceptable.” Rashford, who turned 26 on October 31st, has since apologized for the timing of his party, which took place just hours after the defeat.
Ten Hag, visibly displeased with the optics of the situation, addressed the issue and confirmed that he had a conversation with Rashford regarding the matter. The Dutch manager did not mince words, saying, “It is unacceptable. I told him. He apologized, and that is it.”
The party was pre-planned, and Rashford still managed to make it to training on time the following Monday, avoiding any disruptions to his professional commitments. However, the timing of the celebration, in one of Manchester’s most exclusive nightspots, raised eyebrows considering United’s dismal performance in the Premier League match.
When asked if Rashford had been fined for his actions, Ten Hag chose to keep the disciplinary measures confidential, stating that it was an internal matter. He did, however, clarify that Rashford was not excluded from the starting lineup for Wednesday’s EFL Cup fourth-round defeat by Newcastle as a form of punishment.
This incident isn’t the first time Rashford has faced criticism from Ten Hag. Last year on New Year’s Eve, he found himself on the substitutes’ bench for a Premier League game against Wolves after arriving late for a team meeting. Ironically, Rashford came off the bench to score the winning goal in that match.
Despite the spotlight on Ten Hag’s management skills and the team’s poor start to the season, the manager insists that Rashford remains motivated and committed to the cause. Ten Hag rejected the notion that Rashford’s behavior reflects a lack of cohesion within the team, saying, “Your suggestion is not right. He’s very motivated to put things right. He’s totally with us.”
Rashford’s recent form on the pitch is another concern. After an impressive 30-goal season last year, he has scored only once for United this season, back in September against Arsenal. This dip in form is reminiscent of his struggles two years ago when he managed just five goals.
Despite the challenges, Ten Hag remains optimistic about Rashford’s abilities. He emphasized the importance of Rashford being close to the opponent’s goal, where he can make the most impact. The manager believes that with the right support, Rashford will regain his form and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
As the scrutiny on Manchester United and their manager continues, only time will tell if Rashford can bounce back and help turn their season around.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rashford’s Criticism
What was the context behind Marcus Rashford’s criticism by Erik ten Hag?
After Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, Marcus Rashford faced criticism from manager Erik ten Hag for hosting a birthday party on the same night. Ten Hag deemed the timing “unacceptable.”
Did Rashford’s party affect his training or playing commitments?
No, Rashford’s birthday celebration did not interfere with his professional commitments. He attended training on time the following Monday, and he was not omitted from the starting lineup in the subsequent EFL Cup match against Newcastle.
Has Rashford faced criticism from Ten Hag before?
Yes, Rashford has previously faced criticism from Ten Hag. On New Year’s Eve last year, he was benched for arriving late to a team meeting but ended up scoring the winning goal as a substitute.
What is Rashford’s recent form like?
Rashford’s recent form has been a cause for concern. Despite an excellent season last year with 30 goals, he has only scored once for Manchester United this season, against Arsenal in September.
How does Ten Hag plan to help Rashford regain his form?
Ten Hag emphasized the importance of Rashford being close to the opponent’s goal, where he can make the most impact. He believes Rashford’s form can be improved with the right support and timing in his movements.
Is there tension within the team due to Rashford’s behavior?
Erik ten Hag denies any tension within the team, stating that Rashford remains motivated and committed to the team’s goals despite his recent mistake. The manager believes that Rashford is fully dedicated to the team both on and off the pitch.
More about Rashford’s Criticism
- BBC Sport: Marcus Rashford birthday party ‘unacceptable’ to Erik ten Hag after derby defeat
- Manchester United Official Website
- Premier League Official Website
- EFL Cup Official Website
- Manchester City Official Website
8 comments
Rashford gotta step up his game, only 1 goal this season, smh.
man, this Rashford’s party after the big L was bad timing, fo sure!
Ten Hag ain’t holding back, he means biz.
Rashford shoulda celebrated with a cool playlist, not a party.
Wonder what gadgets Rashford got for his bday, lol!
At least Rashford showed up for training, that’s a relief!
United needs Rashford back in form, big time!
Drama in the football world, can’t get enough of it!