Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, emphasizes the importance of discipline for footballers both on and off the field.
His remarks coincide with a week in which English forward Marcus Rashford had to assume accountability for his behavior, having reportedly been spotted in nightlife venues in Belfast on two occasions.
Following his return from Northern Ireland to Manchester, Rashford reported being unwell for United training on Friday, resulting in his absence from Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Newport.
When addressing the media before his team’s Premier League visit to Wolves on Thursday, Ten Hag declined to comment on Rashford’s situation.
But asked if he was imposing the right discipline on his players, he said: “It’s nothing to do with me but in football, you need discipline and that is on the pitch but also off the pitch,” he said.
“There is a line between, every player, every professional knows this, what is required.”
The accusations in The Sun regarding Rashford’s conduct during his evenings out cast a negative light on the 26-year-old.
This marks the third instance in the past 13 months in which Ten Hag has reprimanded Rashford for off-field matters. He was excluded from last season’s match against Wolves due to oversleeping and missing a team meeting.
Additionally, Rashford apologized to Ten Hag for attending a pre-arranged birthday party in October shortly after United experienced a humiliating 3-0 home defeat by Manchester City.
Ten Hag refuted the notion that Rashford’s repeated transgressions were a display of disrespect toward him.
“It’s nothing to do with that but as I said, let’s focus on the game, let’s move on,” he said. “We have to focus on winning football games.
“He has taken responsibility and for the rest it’s an internal matter. Case closed.”
Rashford will be in United’s squad for the trip to Wolves, with Ten Hag desperate for the forward to continue his recent form of two goals and an assist in his last two Premier League games.
“There’s a strong bond developing between Marcus and Rasmus Hojlund and we want to continue that process,” he said.