“I have to tell the fans what really happened and why i was ill. I wasn’t ill because I went to clubbing, Erik ten Hag and the club knows about my illness which I told them but they want to make me an ESCAPE GOAT”-Manchester United release an embarrassing Marcus Rashford statement in response to media reports about clubbing at Belfast.
Manchester United has issued a formal response in light of recent media speculations surrounding Marcus Rashford’s activities. Reports surfaced alleging Rashford’s presence at nightclubs in Belfast, leading to his absence from training due to reported illness. The 26-year-old was purportedly seen at Lavery’s Bar on Wednesday night and later at Thompsons Garage nightclub the following day, as reported by The Athletic. Despite inquiries, manager Erik ten Hag refrained from disclosing details ahead of Sunday’s match against League Two side Newport, stating that Rashford’s absence was attributed to illness and was being handled internally.
Following the incident, Rashford and his agent Dwaine Maynard convened with football director John Murtough and Erik ten Hag at Carrington to discuss the events that unfolded in Northern Ireland, as per The Athletic’s report. Subsequently, Manchester United issued an official statement regarding Rashford’s situation, confirming his return to training and his availability for selection in the forthcoming match against Wolves on Thursday.
The statement from the club read, “Marcus has taken responsibility for his actions. This has been dealt with as an internal disciplinary matter, which is now closed.” Despite his return to training, Rashford is expected to face a substantial fine of two weeks’ wages, amounting to £650,000, according to The Sun.
The incident has elicited commentary from various quarters, including former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer, who expressed concern over Rashford’s conduct and urged him not to squander his talent. Speaking to BBC Sport after Erik ten Hag’s pre-match interview on Sunday, Shearer remarked, “There’s a huge talent in there with Marcus Rashford. We’ve seen him be disciplined last season when he was late to a meeting before a game but something is clearly wrong – either at home or in his relationship with the football club.”
Shearer emphasized the importance of Rashford seeking guidance and support, stating, “He can’t keep doing this, he can’t keep wasting his talent because it’s not right. He needs strong management, someone to get hold of him and tell him there’ll be huge regrets come the end of his career if he continues doing this.” He highlighted Rashford’s significant potential and the need for immediate intervention to address any underlying issues affecting his performance.
Despite the recent controversy, Rashford’s availability for selection for Manchester United’s upcoming fixture against Wolves on Thursday evening has been confirmed in the latest update.
