Erik ten Hag shuts down questions on Marcus Rashford as he returns to Manchester United starting XI

Marcus Rashford is thrown straight back into the Manchester United starting line-up (Picture: Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag was very keen to move on from Marcus Rashford’s disciplinary issues as he picked the forward in his Manchester United starting XI at Wolves on Thursday night.

The England international has been at the centre of controversy after going on a bender in Belfast last week and missing training last Friday as a result.

Rashford was not involved in the FA Cup clash with Newport County on Sunday and he was not expected to start at Molineux, but he has been thrown straight back into the starting line-up by Ten Hag.

On the decision to start the 26-year-old, Ten Hag told TNT Sports: ‘I didn’t select him on Sunday, he has taken responsibility so case closed.’

Asked if Rashford has something to prove on his return, Ten Hag responded: ‘Case closed, we move on.’

In a statement from Manchester United on Monday, the club said: ‘Marcus has taken responsibility for his actions. This has been dealt with as an internal disciplinary matter, which is now closed.’

Ten Hag was repeating on Thursday what he said earlier in the week in a press conference when he said: ‘He has taken responsibility and the rest is an internal matter. Case closed.’

Erik ten Hag wants to put Marcus Rashford’s famous night out behind him (Picture: Getty Images)

Rashford joined Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho in the Red Devils front three, ahead of Bruno Fernandes with Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro behind them.

Ten Hag has been able to return to a strong back four of Diogo Dalot, Raphel Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, with Andre Onana returning from the Africa Cup of Nations and taking his place in goal.

Asked if this is his strongest team, Ten Hag said: ‘I think so, it could be. We know some have to catch up from game rhythm, like Licha Martinez, Casemiro, Luke Shaw. But this is a strong side and we have to find the rhythm and find or levels to bring the performances and get the results in.’

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