Erik ten Hag has spoken out on the Old Trafford incident (Pictures: Getty)
Erik ten Hag has played down Marcus Rashford’s row with a Manchester United fan before the victory over Newcastle United and says the supporters produced a ‘very positive’ atmosphere at Old Trafford.
Rashford, 26, was filmed confronting an abusive fan during United’s warm-up on Wednesday night.
It it unclear what was said but the fan appeared to be provoking Rashford, who looked over in surprise before beginning to walk in the direction of the stand when a steward intervened.
Even at that point Rashford had to be calmed down by Christian Eriksen and Antony before he decided to leave that part of the warm-up.
Addressing the incident for the first time, Ten Hag said: ‘I have seen it [the video].
‘I felt yesterday, there were 68,000 fans, 3,000 from Newcastle, maybe they were negative, but the 68,000 fans were very positive about the mood and the spirit and the fight and the ambience in the stadium.
‘That shows the strong bond between the team and the fans.’
Marcus Rashford rowed with a United fan before the Newcastle win (Picture: Getty)
Rashford has endured a difficult season at Manchester United, scoring just eight goals in 41 appearances in all competitions, and is being linked with a move away from Old Trafford ahead of the summer transfer window.
Ten Hag’s side have underwhelmed in general this term but they at least clinched a 3-2 win over Newcastle in their final home game of the season, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund with the goals.
United will finish the season in seventh or eighth, depending on how they fare on the final day against Brighton and how Newcastle do at Brentford.
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Ten Hag has admitted United have struggled this season but is glad to see some ‘confidence’ return to the team ahead of the summer.
It remains to be seen whether the 54-year-old Dutchman will still be in charge of the side next year, with Ten Hag’s job potentially on the line when United face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25.
‘Confidence is a great thing,’ Ten Hag said. ‘This season we almost didn’t get the turning point, now we can make a step through.
Manchester United beat Newcastle in their final home game of the season (Picture: Getty)
‘I remember the Arsenal game and in the 87th minute, I thought we won it. That could have given a big lift to the team.
‘We never got this but a game like yesterday will help us, especially the young players. It will give us lots of confidence.’
England boss Gareth Southgate, Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel and ex-Premier League boss Graham Potter are a few of the names being linked with the Manchester United job.
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