Erik ten Hag issues blunt four-word response about Marcus Rashford as Man United star misses FA Cup tie
Erik ten Hag gave little away as he responded to the stories about Marcus Rashford being spotted in a Belfast nightclub hours before a training session.
Rashford is understood to have had back-to-back nights out at Thompsons Garage nightclub having been spotted leaving the venue on Thursday evening before flying back by private jet the following morning.
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The Manchester United boss said Rashford had been unable to train train on Friday, ahead of their FA Cup win against Newport on Sunday due to illness.
The Red Devils boss said on Friday: “This morning, Rashford was ill and (Jonny) Evans was ill so we have to see how they recover.”
Man United later said that Rashford was not well enough to be in the squad for the Newport game following illness. He has stayed at Carrington to train as he recovers.
Ahead of the clash, Ten Hag was asked about Rashford and his response was short but sweet.
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"It's an internal matter," Ten Hag said.
Without Rashford, Man United almost suffered an FA Cup banana skin as they threw away a 2-0 lead with League Two Newport levelling the game at the beginning of the second half.
However, goals from Antony and Rasmus Hojlund spared them the embarrassment and sealed Man United's place in the fifth round where they will go to either Bristol City or Nottingham Forest.
The Man United players had been given time off following their Premier League clash with Tottenham on January 14.
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They returned this week and Rashford is believed to have been involved in sessions between Monday and Wednesday.
It's said the 26-year-old forward was there to see former academy teammate Ro-Shaun Williams - who recently signed for Northern Irish side Larne.
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It is not the first time Rashford's attendance at a nightclub has got him in hot water.
He was pictured going out after their 3-0 derby defeat to Man City in November.
“I spoke with him about it. It’s unacceptable. He apologised and that is it. For us it’s an internal matter,” Ten Hag said.
“He’s very motivated to put things right. He’s totally with us.
“He has made a mistake but that doesn’t say he’s not fitting in. I see him every day in training, what he’s doing, I know.”
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