Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United absence for Newport win an 'internal matter' - Erik ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has described Marcus Rashford’s absence from the squad to face Newport as an “internal matter”.

Rashford’s absence for the game was confirmed on Friday, with The Red Devils reporting the England international as ill.

It subsequently emerged that Rashford was in Belfast on Wednesday, and The Athletic said he was also in the Northern Irish capital on Thursday evening.

United were given a fright before advancing to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-2 win over Newport.

Following the game, Ten Hag fielded questions on Rashford not being in the squad.

"He reported ill," Ten Hag said. "The rest is an internal matter. I deal with it."

Ten Hag was asked a follow-up question as to Rashford’s whereabouts in the days before the game.

A reporter said: “The club were led to believe that Marcus was only out on Wednesday night, but was also out on Thursday night. Do you feel that you have been lied to?”

In response, Ten Hag said: “We will deal with it, I will deal with it.”

The questioning continued, with Ten Hag asked if it was not acceptable for players to lie about their whereabouts.

The Dutchman paused in his response before asking for questions to be focused on the win over Newport.

Rashford was a shining light for United in the 2022/23 season, scoring 30 goals in all competitions.

His form has been well below that level in the current campaign, with only four goals on his record - albeit two have come in his last three outings.

United return to Premier League action on Thursday with a trip to Wolves live on TNT Sports.

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