Erik ten Hag addresses Marcus Rashford situation ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers clash

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag reiterated that the situation surrounding Marcus Rashford was "an internal matter" and backed up the club's statement that the 'case is now closed'.

Rashford reported ill for training on Friday, but it later emerged that he had been out in Belfast on both Wednesday and Thursday evening.

The forward travelled back to Manchester on a private jet on Friday morning, but he said that he was too unwell to attend the club's final training session of the week.

Rashford was not involved in Man United's FA Cup clash with Newport County on Sunday, and there have been claims that his career at Old Trafford is in jeopardy due to his off-the-field conduct.

The 26-year-old has allegedly angered his teammates after the nightclub saga, but Ten Hag said after the Newport clash that he would "deal with" the "internal matter".

© Reuters

As expected, the Dutchman was asked about the situation during his press conference on Wednesday, with the Red Devils preparing for Thursday's Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"So he has taken responsibility and for the rest it's an internal matter. Case closed," the manager told reporters when questioned on the club's academy product.

"It's nothing to do with that (lacking respect) but as I said, let's focus on the game, let's move on. The statement is clear and we have to focus on winning football games.

"Nothing to do with [discipline] with me but in football, you need discipline and that is on the pitch but also off the pitch. There is a line between, when every player, every professional knows this, what is required.

© Reuters

"We have to focus on winning football games and that's well that matters and every top professional knows what is required."

Ten Hag also spoke about the "developing, strong bond" between forwards Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.

"So last two Premier League games, two goals, an assist. There is a developing, strong bond between Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund and we want to continue that process," he added.

The forward was punished by being left out of the starting XI for a Premier League game against Wolves in December 2022 after being late to a team meeting, and he could again be on the bench for Thursday's clash at Molineux.

Rashford has struggled to show his best form during the 2023-24 campaign, only managing four goals and six assists in 26 appearances in all competitions.