Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag underscored the importance of discipline for footballers both on and off the pitch, following a week marked by reports concerning England forward Marcus Rashford’s behaviour in nightspots in Belfast

Rashford reportedly twice frequented nightspots in Belfast, subsequently reporting ill for United training after flying from Northern Ireland to Manchester. 

Consequently, he did not participate in Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Newport.

While addressing the media ahead of United’s Premier League encounter with Wolves, Ten Hag declined to directly discuss Rashford’s situation but stressed the significance of discipline in football, stating, “It’s nothing to do with me, but in football, you need discipline, and that is on the pitch but also off the pitch.”

Regarding Rashford’s reported behavior, Ten Hag acknowledged the expectations placed on professional players and refrained from commenting on Rashford’s repeated off-field issues. 

Rashford had previously been reprimanded for oversleeping and missing a team meeting, as well as attending a pre-arranged birthday party following a significant defeat to Manchester City.

While acknowledging Rashford’s recent contributions on the pitch, Ten Hag emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on winning football matches and treating off-field matters as internal issues.

Rashford remains a key part of United’s squad, with Ten Hag eager for the forward to sustain his recent form. As Ten Hag expressed, “There’s a strong bond developing between Marcus and Rasmus Hojlund, and we want to continue that process.”