Ten Hag defends Marcus Rashford claiming its ‘Case Closed!’

• Erik ten Hag has stated that Marcus Rashford’s ill-discipline incident is a ‘case closed’, with the Manchester United attacker set to return this week.
• Rashford was withdrawn from the FA Cup match against Newport County over the weekend after reporting sick for training on Friday.
• The England player is believed to have spoken with Ten Hag this week.

Erik ten Hag has stated that Marcus Rashford’s ill-discipline incident is a ‘case closed’, with the Manchester United attacker set to return this week.

Rashford was withdrawn from the FA Cup match against Newport County over the weekend after reporting sick for training on Friday, after apparently partying in Belfast the night before.

The England player is believed to have spoken with Ten Hag this week, and the Manchester United manager has stated that the attacker has ‘accepted responsibility’ for his conduct.

With just four goals this season, the 26-year-old has not been at his best, and his off-field decisions have drawn more attention and criticism.

Following Manchester City’s 3-0 derby victory in October, Rashford’s choice to attend a nightclub party was deemed “unacceptable” by Ten Hag, and in the last few days, rumors of other late-night antics have surfaced.

Marcus Rashford and Erik ten Hag. Photo/ News24.

According to reports, Rashford went out on Thursday night in Belfast till three in the morning. The next day, he reportedly reported sick, and he missed Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Newport.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference ahead of meeting Wolves on Thursday night, Ten Hag said: “He has taken responsibility and for the rest it is an internal matter. Case closed.

“It has nothing to do with respect. As I already stated, let us focus on the game. I believe the statement is obvious, and we must focus on winning football games.

“In football, discipline is required both on and off the pitch; there is a boundary between the two. Every professional understands what is necessary. We must focus solely on winning football games; nothing else matters. Every top professional understands what is necessary.

Rashford is not the first player to face internal disciplinary actions; earlier this month, Jadon Sancho, who was expelled from Borussia Dortmund in September, returned on loan.

During his first season in command, there were also well-documented problems with well-known player Cristiano Ronaldo, which made some wonder if Ten Hag’s discipline was being compromised.

“It’s nothing to do with that,” the United manager remarked when questioned about the players’ respect for him, considering that similar issues had previously arisen.

“But, like I said, let’s concentrate on the game and move on. I think the statement is obvious, and we need to focus on winning football games.”

Ten Hag on Manchester United’s performance

Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag believes the team “can beat anyone” as they get ready to take on Wolves on Thursday.

After a difficult season, Ten Hag’s team is currently in ninth in the Premier League standings, one spot ahead of their trip to Molineux tomorrow night. Despite United’s 11-point deficit from the Champions League spots, the Dutch coach is confident in his club’s ability to fight with any team in the division.

“We are quite confident because on our best days, we can beat anyone, but on our worst days, we fall to unacceptable levels,” he stated at his pre-match news conference.

“We have to push our limitations to greater heights so that we can produce outcomes even on our worst days.

“Everyone in the squad is quite sure of this, and they know that when players return from long-term injuries, the team will be stronger. This improves team morale, attitude, and spirit.”

Onana set for a return

Andre Onana. Photo/ Goal.com.

Following Cameroon’s loss to Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations, Andre Onana’s participation in the country is now finished.

From Onana’s and Manchester United’s standpoint, it was a compassionate exit, with the goalie being substituted for his nation.

Onana was dropped after only one game in the competition due to her late arrival. He can now put an end to it all and concentrate on his club again.

Andre Onana is now expected to make a comeback for Manchester United, and he may play in this week’s away match against Wolves.

In his post-game remarks, Erik ten Hag verified this, saying, “Andre Onana will be back for Thursday.”

Ten Hag called Altay Bayindir’s performance as Onana’s substitute versus Newport County a “composed debut” and lauded him for it.