Following media reports about Marcus Rashford, Manchester United has released a statement addressing the situation. The reports suggested that Rashford was seen at nightclubs in Belfast on consecutive evenings, leading to his absence from training on Friday due to reported illness. According to The Athletic, the 26-year-old visited Lavery’s Bar on Wednesday and Thompson’s Garage nightclub on Thursday.
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, refrained from providing detailed information ahead of Sunday’s match against Newport, simply stating, “He reported ill. Let’s say it’s an internal matter; I’ll handle it. It is an internal matter.”
In response to the events in Northern Ireland, Marcus Rashford and his agent Dwaine Maynard met with football director John Murtough and Erik ten Hag at Carrington on Monday morning.
Subsequently, Manchester United issued a statement on Monday evening, confirming Rashford’s return to training and his availability for selection against Wolves on Thursday. The statement acknowledged that Rashford has taken responsibility for his actions, and the matter has been addressed as an internal disciplinary issue, now considered closed.
The Sun reported that Rashford is expected to face a substantial fine amounting to two weeks’ pay, totaling £650,000. The financial penalty underlines the gravity with which the club is approaching the situation. Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer shared his perspective on Rashford’s absence, urging the player not to squander his remarkable talent.
In an interview with BBC Sport during Erik ten Hag’s pre-match discussion on Sunday, Shearer emphasized the significance of addressing any underlying issues. If the situation is treated as an internal matter, there might be deeper concerns that need attention. Shearer highlighted Rashford’s immense talent and previous instances of disciplinary action, emphasizing the need for strong management intervention to guide him and avoid regrets later in his career.
Shearer further stressed the urgency of addressing Rashford’s struggles, noting a decline in goal-scoring output from 30 goals in the previous season to just four in the current one. Observing Rashford’s on-field demeanor, Shearer suggested that the player might be grappling with significant pressure and emphasized the need for immediate intervention.
As Manchester United navigates this challenging situation, the focus is not only on disciplinary actions but also on supporting Rashford to overcome any personal challenges and regain his prolific form on the field. The hope is that this incident serves as a turning point for Rashford, prompting positive changes both on and off the pitch.
