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Marcus Rashford was dropped from Manchester United’s starting XI for Saturday’s trip to Wolves due to “internal disciplinary” reasons.
The England forward has been in great form for United this season and looked particularly sharp since returning from the World Cup.
He scored in each of United’s first two games after Qatar 2022, while he also got an assist in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
Manager Erik ten Hag has managed to get the best out of the 25-year-old after a particularly disappointing 2021-22 campaign, but something behind the scenes has put an obstacle in Rashford’s path.
Asked why he removed Rashford from the team after looking so lively in United’s two previous games, Ten Hag told BT Sport: “Internal disciplinary. No [details]. Our rules.
“Now focus on the game. He is in very good form and no-one can play all the games.”
This is not the first time Ten Hag has wielded the axe to punish breaches of club discipline at United, with Cristiano Ronaldo dropped earlier this season after refusing to come on against Tottenham.
Rashford was named among the substitutes, however, whereas Ronaldo was ditched from the squad entirely on that occasion.
Alejandro Garnacho was the one to benefit from Rashford being dropped, with the 19-year-old lining up in attack with Antony and Anthony Martial.
Luke Shaw kept his place at centre-back despite both Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire being fit enough to take places alongside Rashford on the bench.
Also among United’s substitutes is talented 17-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who will make his senior debut if he comes on.
World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez is still absent despite returning to training this week; Diogo Dalot – who is also yet to feature since the World Cup – misses out again as well.
