Ten Hag: Rashford and Sancho’s Rule Breaks at Man United Are Different
In the article, Erik ten Hag discusses the differing punishments handed out to Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho after their respective indiscretions. While Rashford is available to play after clear-the-air talks with Ten Hag, Sancho is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund due to publicly questioning the manager’s decision to drop him from the squad.
Ten Hag states that the different reactions to the two players’ actions were due to Sancho choosing to go public with his grievances, which led to a prolonged period of training alone. On the other hand, Rashford’s ill-advised trip to Belfast resulted in the player reporting himself too ill to train, leading to conversations with the manager but allowing him to resume regular training with the team.
The manager emphasizes the players’ responsibility to manage themselves and maintain a certain way of life befitting top footballers. He also mentions having disciplined other players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, before his move to Al Nassr, and Argentinian teenager Alejandro Garnacho.
Ten Hag makes it clear that he is not there to babysit his players and expects them to be aware of the standards and expectations of playing at the level of a club like Manchester United. This insight sheds light on the discipline and expectations within the team, providing readers with a closer look at the dynamics and management style within the club.
Image source: ESPN
On January 31, 2024, at 05:30 PM ET, Erik ten Hag addressed the differing punishments handed out to Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, stating that Sancho’s public actions influenced the outcome. Despite a recent ill-advised trip to Belfast, Rashford is available for Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Wolves following clear-the-air talks with Ten Hag. Conversely, Sancho, who is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund, faced disciplinary action after publicly questioning Ten Hag’s decisions.
Ten Hag attributed the contrasting treatment to Sancho’s decision to make his grievances public on X, formerly known as Twitter. He emphasized that internal matters can be resolved without public intervention. Rashford, who missed training and a match due to illness following a night out, is expected to return to the squad, albeit possibly from the bench.
At a news conference, Ten Hag stressed the need for players at this level to manage themselves and maintain a certain way of life necessary for top football. He also noted that Rashford and Sancho are not the only players to have clashed with his strict rules, citing past disciplinary actions taken against Cristiano Ronaldo and Alejandro Garnacho. Despite this, he emphasized that the players should already be aware of the expectations at a club like Manchester United.
