Ten Hag wants better off-field discipline after Rash moves

Erik ten Hag says his players have to be disciplined on and off the pitch as the Manchester United boss looks to move on from Marcus Rashford's reported Belfast escapades.

Ten Hag called Rashford's decision to go to a nightclub party after October’s 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City "unacceptable" and stories emerged in recent days of more late-night exploits.

Rashford is reported to have gone out in Belfast last Thursday night until 3am before reporting ill the following day and going on to miss Sunday's FA Cup win at Newport.

The England forward is not the first player to be subject of internal disciplinary proceedings, with Jadon Sancho banished from September and returning to Borussia Dortmund on loan earlier this month.

There were also well-documented issues with star name Cristiano Ronaldo during his first season in charge, raising questions about whether disciplinarian Ten Hag had been undermined — something the Dutchman strongly refutes.

Ten Hag said: "It's nothing to do with that. 

"But, as I said, let's focus on the game, let's move on. I think the statement is clear and we have to focus on winning football games.

"In football, you need discipline and that is on the pitch but also off the pitch because also there is a line between. Every player knows this, every professional knows this, what is required."

United head to Wolves on Thursday looking for their first Premier League win since the 3-2 comeback win against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

Rashford scored the winner from the bench on that occasion having been dropped for poor timekeeping and Ten Hag desperately needs him back to rediscover his top form with a mounting injury list.

Ten Hag said: "So, the last two Premier League games, he's got two goals, two assists.

"You see there is a strong bond developing between Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus. We want to continue that process."

Mason Mount remains sidelined through injury but Andre Onana could return in goal after Cameroon's exit from the African Cup of Nations.