Marcus Rashford’s relationship with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is thought to be near-irreconcilable after the forward’s night out in Belfast.
The England international missed United’s FA Cup clash against Newport last month, having been spotted on a night out in Belfast reportedly fuelled by tequila until the early hours of the morning. Rashford skipped that matchup but was immediately reinstated for their Premier League clash against Wolves, where he scored the opening goal after just five minutes. With the club deeming the case to be closed it seemed safe to assume both parties had moved on, but The Sun reports Rashford’s actions have had lasting consequences.
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Ten Hag is described as being “furious” at the player while also “deceived” by his reported decision to lie about exactly when he got back from Belfast. Despite Rashford‘s effort against Wolves, the report notes that the pair are still not on speaking terms, with some members of United’s staff fearing their relationship has been broken beyond repair.
January’s case is not the first instance where Ten Hag has had to discipline Rashford. The Red Devils boss was forced to step in when the forward celebrated his birthday in Manchester city centre back in October 2023, despite having just been thumped 3-0 by rivals City.
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Pressure continues to ramp up on both player and manager. While Rashford scored in that Wolves clash he has struggled elsewhere since the Belfast night out. He was woeful through the middle in United’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday and now risks being sold in the summer.
That result has piled the weight on Ten Hag’s shoulders, who is yet to receive a ringing endorsement from new minority investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Indeed, legendary full-back Gary Neville believes a decision may already have been made on the Dutchman’s future.
