Just before Marcus Rashford reported in sick and missed Manchester United training, he was spotted enjoying a night out at a Belfast nightclub.
The forward, who claimed to be unable to train due to illness ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round clash against Newport County, was in Belfast visiting Northern Irish Champions Linfield. Rashford's visit was linked to the recent signing of Roshan Williams, a former United Academy star and a close friend of the international player.
Although official footage indicated that Rashford was out on Wednesday night, which was a scheduled day off for the first team squad, additional reports from The Athletic suggested that he also attended a nightclub in Belfast on Thursday night. Despite being scheduled to report for training the next morning, Rashford returned to Manchester on a private flight on Friday morning. The contrasting details and the timing of his activities raised questions about his commitment to training and team responsibilities.
Marcus Rashford's on-field performance has seen a dip this season, with only four goals compared to the 30 he scored in the previous season. Speaking at a press conference, Manchester United manager Eric Ten Haag acknowledged that Rashford was a doubt for the upcoming clash against Newport County, mentioning that Rashford and Johnny Evans were both ill and their recovery was uncertain.
Notably, this is not the first time Rashford has faced scrutiny for his off-field activities. In November, he faced criticism for celebrating his birthday in Manchester on the same day as Manchester United's humiliating 3-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City. Ten Haag addressed the incident, describing it as unacceptable and asserting that he had spoken to Rashford about it. The manager added that Rashford had apologized, and it was considered an internal matter.
When questioned further about Rashford's behavior, Ten Haag emphasized that despite the mistake, Rashford remains an integral part of the team and is fully committed. The manager acknowledged Rashford's effort both on and off the pitch, expressing confidence in his dedication to helping the team succeed and secure victories. The incident, while drawing attention to Rashford's off-field choices, also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by high-profile footballers in balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
