Marcus Rashford was left out of the Manchester United starting XI at Wolves for disciplinary reasons.
Man Utd news: Marcus Rashford has been dropped by Erik ten Hag for the Wolves game (Image: BT SPORT/GETTY)
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford was left out of the starting XI at Wolves for disciplinary reasons. Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag confirmed the news when speaking to BT Sport before the Premier League match on Saturday.
Rashford has been in fine form for United this season. He has already scored twice as many goals this term as he did in the entirety of the 2021/22 campaign.
So this latest setback will come as a blow to the England international. Rashford scored in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
However, he was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho in the only change to the XI for the trip to Wolves. Ten Hag was immediately asked about Rashford’s absence when speaking to BT Sport.
He responded: “Internal disciplinary.” BT presenter Lynsey Hipgrave attempted to garner more information on the situation.
She asked if the Dutchman could expand on his answer. However, Ten Hag repeated the same two words and refused to go into further detail.
United legends Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand were in the BT studio when Ten Hag made the revelation. Scholes was impressed with the authority he showed.
Scholes said: “It’s difficult to know the truth really, internal disciplinary, you think lateness. But I love him, the way he’s honest, he’s got the lad in the form of his life who will be a big part today he’d be coming into this game expecting to score goals and win the game.
“To stand by his guns, we’ll see if it’s a wise decision. I love the way he deals with it.
Man Utd news: Marcus Rashford was dropped from the starting XI against Wolves (Image: GETTY)
“Marcus Rashford today would be the first name in the team but he’s obviously done something that’s upset him, the rest of the team. Marcus has paid for it.”
Ferdinand believes the decision will only have a positive impact on the United squad as a whole. He said: “You think back to when we played, if the manager showed weakness, it’s like the Cristiano Ronaldo situation, we can all have our opinion but the most important people are those in that changing room.
“If they’re responding to these decisions with respect, step out of line, you’re punished immediately. That can only be positive for this dressing room.”
Rashford’s long-term future at United is yet to be secured. The club triggered the option to extend his contract to 2024 earlier this month but talks continue over a longer deal.
Paul Scholes praises Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag for Marcus Rashford decision
Erik ten Hag has earned praise from Manchester United club legend Paul Scholes after he ‘stuck to his guns’ and benched Marcus Rashford over a disciplinary problem
Marcus Rashford was named amongst the substitutes for Man Utd against Wolves (Image: Getty Images)
Paul Scholesnhas backed Erik ten Hag’s decision to drop Marcus Rashford from the Manchester United starting XI.
Rashford lost his spot in the team for the trip to Wolves due to “internal disciplinary” reasons, with Ten Hag refusing to disclose any further details other than to say he was upholding their “rules”.
And that earned the United boss praise from club legend Scholes, who told BT Sport: “It’s difficult to know the truth really, internal disciplinary, you think lateness. But I love him, the way he’s honest.
“He’s got the lad in the form of his life who will be a big part today, he’d be coming into this game expecting to score goals and win the game. To stand by his guns, we’ll see if it’s a wise decision.
“I love the way he deals with it. Marcus Rashford today would be the first name in the team but he’s obviously done something that’s upset him, the rest of the team. Marcus has paid for it.”
Erik ten Hag dropped Rashford due to “internal disciplinary” reasons (Image: Rui Vieira/AP/REX/Shutterstock)
Ten Hag has laid down the law at Old Trafford this season having arrived amid a crisis on and off the pitch in the summer. He refused to back down to Cristiano Ronaldo, which ultimately led to his exit from the club.
Rashford scored and assisted in a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest in United’s previous match on Tuesday (December 27), but Ten Hag didn’t let that influence his decision.
Paul Scholes praised Ten Hag for his handling of the situation (Image: Getty Images)
He said: “Internal disciplinary. No [details]. Our rules. Now focus on the game. He is in very good form and no-one can play all the games.”
Alejandro Garnacho was brought in to replace Rashford in the only change to the United team to face Wolves at Molineux.
Source: express.co.uk; dailystar.co.uk
