MARCUS Rashford has said he was dropped from Manchester United’s starting XI against Wolves because he missed a team meeting after oversleeping.
Manager Erik ten Hag praised the 25-year-old after he came on to score the winner in the second half at Molineux.
But the Dutchman said breaches of internal discipline at Old Trafford have to be punished if his team are to be successful this season.
“Everyone has to match the standards and rules,” said Ten Hag.
“[If they don’t] there has to be consequences.
“That is what I expect on the pitch, otherwise you can’t be successful. When you miss rules outside the pitch, it can go onto the pitch. He gave the right answer.”
Rashford revealed the nature of his disciplinary breach in a post-match TV interview.
He said he was “disappointed” to be dropped, but added: “I understand the decision and obviously I am happy we managed to win the game. I think we can draw a line under it and move on.”
It is not the first disciplinary issue Ten Hag has had to confront this season.
He blocked Alejandro Garnacho, who replaced Rashford in the starting line-up at Wolves, from playing during United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia when he was late for team meetings.
Most famously, he axed Cristiano Ronaldo when he refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham in October, triggering the chain of events that ended on Friday when the Portuguese forward signed a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.
“Don’t talk about the past. Let’s talk about the future,” Ten Hag said on Saturday when asked about Ronaldo’s move.
Rashford has now scored 11 goals for United in all competitions this season. He has scored in three successive games for the first time since November 2019.
“I think I am in a good place,” the England star told BT Sport.
“It’s difficult to come back from the World Cup. Emotion-wise everyone is at different levels but it has been important for us to stick together and help each other through a difficult moment for the lads that didn’t win the World Cup.”
Rashford’s efforts have helped United record five wins in a row for the first time since April 2021 and edge into the top four.