Manchester United’s second season under Dutch manager Erik ten Hag has seen more action off the field than on it. An ownership saga, a legal case involving Antony, controversy surrounding the reinstatement of Mason Greenwood into the squad, and Sancho’s reluctance to acknowledge his misdemeanors have all dominated the headlines.
Adding to the list of challenges, Marcus Rashford’s name is now in the mix as the winger faced consequences in the aftermath of an internal disciplinary proceeding for allegedly skipping a training session by feigning illness.
Erik ten Hag reveals difference between Sancho and Rashford
Making a distinction between the disciplinary matters involving Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, Erik Ten Hag clarified that the key difference was that Sancho “chose to go public.” This reference was made to a since-deleted post by the forward after United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.
“We can sort out everything internally. Jadon chose to go public,” said Erik Ten Hag.
In response to queries about Sancho’s absence from the squad in that game, Ten Hag stated that “his performances in training” did not meet the required standards. Jadon Sancho had responded to Ten Hag’s comments by sharing a post on social saying that he had been “scapegoated,” leading to his exclusion from the first team. Following this incident, Sancho has not played a single game for United and has returned to Borussia Dortmund on a loan deal.
Marcus Rashford on the other hand, was reprimanded for missing out on a training session before United’s tie against Newport County in the FA Cup, as he reported ill after he was seen partying in a Belfast nightclub, which they won 4-2.
As a consequence, Rashford had his pay deferred for two weeks, and he issued an apology. Since apologizing, Rashford has resumed training and is in consideration for selection in United’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Wolves.
Ten Hag advises playersâ on self-management
Following the Rashford’s misadventures, Erik Ten Hag said that he is not there to “babysit players”. Speaking to the media, he said, “First of all, the players at this level need to manage themselves, that is what you can demand from the player.”
“The player has to know what is good and not good. When you want to play top football, it demands a certain way of life. Always. No, come on, we are talking about top football players. I don’t have to educate them anymore. When you are playing for Man United, they should know.”
Rashford and Sancho are not the firsts who have faced internal disciplinary proceedings, as Cristiano Ronaldo was released by mutual agreement during Ten Hagâs first season after gave an interview criticizing the owners and the club, while youngster Alejandro Garnacho was dropped in the preseason after he was late for a team meeting.
Do you agree with Erik ten Hag’s decision? Let us know in the comments below.
