Erik ten Hag insists it is ‘case closed’ on the disciplinary issue involving Marcus Rashford, stating he’s ‘taken responsibility’, as he prepares for a tough trip to Wolves.
The Manchester United boss was again questioned on off-the-field problems which have followed him through his time at Old Trafford. But with his side desperately falling behind in a race to reach European competition for next season, his focus is elsewhere.
“Let’s focus on the game. Let’s move on, the statement is clear plus we have to focus on winning football games,” he said.
“In football you need discipline, that is on the pitch and off the pitch. Every player knows this, every professional knows what is required.”
After Jadon Sancho’s future was resolved in January, going on loan to Borussia Dortmund, there is a danger that a new off the field cloud could over-shadow United’s ambitions in the Premier League.
They have just one league win in their last six league fixtures, so it is important for ten Hag to get Rashford back to the scintillating form he showed last season.
“In his last two games, two goals and two assists. So you see a developing strong bond between him and Rasmus Hojlund, we want to continue the process.
“On our best days we can beat anyone but on our worst days we go down to limits which aren’t acceptable, so we have to push our limits and everyone in the squad is convinced about this.
Embed from Getty Images“Players are returning from long-term injuries so it helps the motivation and the mood in the team.”
Last season was full of positives at Manchester United with the Carabao Cup win, beating Barcelona and top four qualification. A year on, the pressure is very much on ten Hag who calls every game from now until May, ‘a cup final’.
“Every game we’ve got to see it as a final now. Every game we have to get the best out of it and this team has so much experience, they know that,” ten Hag said.
“I’m confident we have our players back, although some need matches.
“The build-up has been good, now we have to make the next step as a team.”
