Marcus Rashford was dropped from Manchester United’s starting line-up on Saturday by manager Erik ten Hag.
The England man missed the kick-off against Wolverhampton Wanderers because he overslept and was late for a team meeting. Ten Hag confirmed the move in his pre-game interview with BT Sport.
“Internal disciplinary,” Ten Hag said. “Our rules. Now focus on the game.” The Dutchman also stated that not every player could play every game in the Premier League. “He is in very good shape and no one can play every game.”
Rashford still packs a punch once again
However, Rashford made an impact in the match at Molineux Stadium. After a lackluster first half performance by the Red Devils, ten Hag brought in Rashford as a substitute at half time.
The 25-year-old striker scored the only goal of the game in the 76th minute after a powerful run and shot in the Wolves box.
The win moves United back into the top four of England’s top flight. Now they will start 2023 in a Champions League position. United leapfrogged Tottenham Hotspur and now sit just one point behind third-placed Newcastle.
Defender affirms that coach expects discipline
After the win, defender Luke Shaw told BT Sport that his manager has certain standards that he expects of his players. “In a top club like this it has to be like that. There has to be discipline,” Shaw said. “The manager takes all of that into consideration. People have gotten away with silly things before. As you’ve seen today, if you don’t do the little things right, then you won’t play.”
This certainly wasn’t the first time that ten Hag has taken a stand on United players.
He previously suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for allegedly refusing to enter a match as a substitute and leaving the stadium before the end of a game.
The Dutchman also left Alejandro Garnacho off the pitch during pre-season games, also for disciplinary reasons.
Photo Credit: IMAGO/Pro Sports Images
