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Manchester United staff 'fear Marcus Rashford, Erik ten Hag relationship is irreparable'

sportsmole.co.uk, 28 February 2024, 09:59
Manchester United staff are reportedly concerned that the relationship between head coach Erik ten Hag and forward Marcus Rashford 'has broken down irrevocably'.

Rashford starred under Ten Hag last term but has largely struggled during the 2023-24 campaign, only managing five goals and six assists in 31 appearances in all competitions.

The England international has often cut a frustrated figure this season, while he was allegedly fined two weeks' wages last month for visiting a nightclub in Dublin on two separate evenings and then calling in sick for training before his side's FA Cup clash with Newport County.

According to The Sun, Ten Hag was furious with the nightclub saga, and the Dutchman has 'barely been on speaking terms' with Rashford since the incident.

The report claims that the relationship between the two individuals has not been repaired, and there is now genuine concern within the club when it comes to the situation.

Staff at the club allegedly believe that the relationship could be irreparable, although Rashford is again expected to be in the side against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.

Rasmus Hojlund's muscular problem led to Rashford starting through the middle again Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday and that is again expected to be the case in Wednesday's FA Cup fifth-round tie.

Rashford signed a new long-term contract at Old Trafford last summer, with his terms at the club due to run until the summer of 2028.

There has been speculation surrounding his future in recent months, with Paris Saint-Germain said to be keeping a close eye on the situation, as the French club prepare to sign a replacement for Kylian Mbappe.

However, it is understood that Man United's new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has no desire to sell Rashford during the summer market.

Ten Hag's future as head coach, though, is far from clear, with the Dutchman yet to receive a public vote of confidence by Ratcliffe.

The pressure was again piled on Ten Hag when the Red Devils suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, which made it 15 losses for the season in all competitions.

Ratcliffe allegedly 'dreams' of appointing Zinedine Zidane as the club's new head coach, with the Frenchman still available, having not taken a position since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.

Ex-Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea manager Graham Potter is also still being linked with the role, while Inter Milan's Simone Inzaghi is allegedly being monitored due to his impressive work at San Siro.

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