Erik ten Hag Slams Marcus Rashford for Birthday Bash Amidst Derby Defeat Fallout

Manchester United Manager Deems Forward’s Actions “Unacceptable” Ahead of Crucial Fulham Clash

Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has expressed his disappointment with star forward Marcus Rashford for attending a birthday party just hours after the team’s 3-0 defeat in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford last weekend. Ten Hag labeled Rashford’s actions as “unacceptable” in the wake of an internal investigation, despite the forward’s subsequent apology.

Following Manchester City’s resounding victory, Rashford, who turned 26 on Tuesday, reportedly celebrated at the Chinawhite nightclub with teammate Tyrell Malacia and a group of close friends and family. While Rashford was not photographed at the event, the incident raised eyebrows, especially given the team’s recent performance.

Ten Hag, facing scrutiny over his future as United’s manager, addressed the issue in a press conference ahead of a crucial Premier League match against Fulham. “Yes, I am aware of it, I spoke with him about it,” Ten Hag said. “It’s unacceptable. I told him. He apologized, and that’s it. For the rest, it’s an internal matter.”

Rashford, once a standout performer for United, has faced criticism for a lackluster start to the season, contributing only one goal in 14 appearances. The forward began on the bench in the subsequent match against Newcastle, which ended in a 3-0 defeat and saw United eliminated from the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Despite the setbacks, Ten Hag defended Rashford against claims that the players lack the character to reverse the club’s fortunes. “Your suggestion is not right,” the Dutch manager asserted. “He is very motivated to put things right. I see every day with the training what he is doing. He makes a mistake, but it doesn’t say he is not fitting in.”

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As United faces Fulham on Saturday, Ten Hag maintained a determined stance. “The players are hard to beat, but in this moment, after two defeats, we didn’t show it,” he stated. “I’m convinced in the long term the players will be hard to beat, and they know how to do it. We have to win, and I don’t want to find excuses if we don’t win. We have to be more pragmatic.”

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