Things have been bleak for Erik ten Hag and his men this season. Manchester United has struggled to make an impact this season with the team languishing at the 9th place on the points table. United were humiliated by arch-rivals Manchester City in their previous encounter. The team will be hoping to find a big win over Fulham tonight, but it seems like the side will miss out on the services of star player Marcus Rashford.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag informed the press of his decision to drop the player for the upcoming game. The Dutchman was concise with his words, stating that the player would miss the game. Rashford has been walking on thin glass around the manager as of late. Ten Hag publicly criticized Rashford for his birthday celebration following the team’s defeat, calling it unacceptable.

Erik ten Hag drops Manchester City star for upcoming game

The Red Devils manager touched on the status of Rashford during his presser before the game against Fulham. Ten Hag noted that the player had taken a rough knock during the recent training session and will be forced to sit the game out. When asked to elaborate on the situation, ten Hag refused to make additional comments.

“He was travelling with us, but he didn’t make it. He was tested this morning but [his leg] wasn’t good enough. He’s not fit. Yes. We have to close that case. I have said everything about it.”

This is surely a colossal blow for Manchester United, who will surely miss the services of Rashford. The team has been ineffective in the attacking third this season, finding just 11 goals in ten games. Apart from their poor performances on the field, the side has been surrounded by drama off the field.

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The manager following the team’s defeat in the Manchester derby seemed unimpressed with his players. England star Marcus Rashford was publicly slammed by the Dutchman after celebrating his birthday in a nightclub despite the defeat.

Erik Ten Hag deems Marcus Rashford’s actions unacceptable

The former Ajax manager’s time at Manchester United has been full of drama. With all that’s happening around, it’s safe to stay Erik Ten Hag does not hold back and says whatever he feels needs to be addressed. The United manager recently questioned the actions of Marcus Rashford following their loss against Manchester City, deeming it unacceptable.

“Yes, I am aware of it, I spoke with him about it. It is unacceptable. I told them, he apologized, and that is it. It is an internal matter.”

This is not the first time the manager has publicly criticized the English forward. Ten Hag has been critical of the player’s performance after he failed to replicate the performances from last season. However, the Dutchman still firmly believes that Rashford is a key player for United.

 “He made a mistake, but that doesn’t say he is not fitting in. I see him every day in training with what he is doing and I know. Off the pitch what he is doing, how he lives, I am sure he is doing everything right to help the team and to perform and to help us win.”

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It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can find the win in the absence of their key player. What are your thoughts on Ten Hag’s spell at Manchester United? Let us know in the comments below.