- Rashford was left out in the league for the first time this season in midweek tie
- Ten Hag has admitted it is down to the forward to force his way back into team
- There’s a lot of anger at Man United – it’s them against the world! Listen to It’s All Kicking Off
Marcus Rashford is a doubt for Manchester United’s game against Bournemouth on Saturday due to illness.
Erik ten Hag confirmed the news in his press conference on Friday with the Premier League Manager of the Month looking to build on an impressive win over Chelsea in the week.
Rashford was a late substitute in the game at Old Trafford on Wednesday having been dropped from the starting XI following an abject performance against Newcastle last weekend.
It’s unclear if he would have started for the game against Bournemouth, with United looking much more energetic and threatening in attack in the England forward’s absence.
But there may be no choice to be made, with Rashford potentially set to drop out of the matchday squad.
Marcus Rashford is a doubt for Manchester United’s game against Bournemouth on Saturday
Erik ten Hag revealed the news in his press conference on Friday having dropped the forward in midweek
Rashford missed out on the United starting XI for the first time this season after an abject performance against Newcastle
The 26-year-old was left out of the United starting side for the first time this season in the Premier League on Wednesday after receiving widespread criticism for his efforts against Newcastle.
He seemingly repeatedly refused to track back and showed little desire to be involved, with former United player Mark Hughes saying he doesn’t think Rashford is enjoying his football again.
‘I think Rashford has slipped back into the mindset that he had prior to last season – he doesn’t look happy,’ he said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast with Sam Allardyce.
‘He obviously had a lot going on outside the game which maybe took something away from him, and perhaps he just needs to focus back solely on what his role is when he’s asked to put on the shirt for Man United.’
United defender Luke Shaw recently had to defend himself for liking a post on X that shared a quote from Patrice Evra arguing it will be tough for Rashford and Anthony Martial to get back in the team.
Rashford came off the bench during what was a much-improved United performance in his absence at Old Trafford
Luke Shaw recently had to defend himself after liking a post criticising Rashford and fellow team-mate Anthony Martial
Ten Hag, meanwhile, has insisted it is up to Rashford to try and force his way back into the side.
‘Rashford is an incredible, good player,’ he said. ‘You can’t do it with 11 players, he can’t play every game. He’s not in this moment in the form he was last year but I am sure he will get there.
‘t is up to him. The team will always line themselves up and the best players who form the best team will play. I think we have a squad and in the squad there is internal competition. In every season, it will turn and in every season it’s what is the best team.
‘They are here, they are great players and have played into the team. That’s what you expect from every player, there has to be dedication to aim for this.’
