Journalist claims Rashford is attempting to get manager sacked amid United’s struggles.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has been labeled a “rotten apple” by a journalist, who accuses the England international of trying to undermine manager Erik ten Hag. According to Geert Langendorff of Algemeen Dagblad, Rashford’s actions during Manchester United’s recent 0-0 draw with Aston Villa suggest he is deliberately trying to get himself sent off to cause further unrest within the club.
Langendorff made the bold claim on the AD Voetbalpodcast, stating that Rashford is eager for Ten Hag to be dismissed as United grapples with its worst-ever start to a Premier League season. Rashford, 26, has struggled for form this season, scoring only once in the Premier League.
“He is one of the rotten apples,” Langendorff said. “Rashford had problems off the pitch last year. He didn’t quite colour within the lines. And anyone who saw him on Sunday against Aston Villa could see he was obviously trying for a red card. Fortunately, Ten Hag was able to intervene just in time and get him off.”
Langendorff also referenced former Manchester United manager José Mourinho’s comments from December 2023, where Mourinho mentioned that there were problematic players at the club, though he didn’t name them directly. Mourinho suggested that these “rotten apples” made his job at Old Trafford nearly impossible. Langendorff claims that Rashford is one of the individuals Mourinho alluded to, alongside the now-departed Anthony Martial.
Mourinho had previously warned that the presence of certain players and staff would hinder the club’s success, saying: “There are still people in that club… and when I say people, I mean some players but also some other people that are not players, that are still there when I told United after two months: with these people, you are never going to do it.”
As Manchester United continues to struggle in the 2023/24 season, the accusations against Rashford have further heightened tensions surrounding the club’s performance and its future under Erik ten Hag.
Erik ten Hag is actively implementing changes at Carrington in a bid to optimize the performance of his Manchester United squad, according to UnitedinFocus.
The manager is under pressure following a dismal start to the Premier League season, which has set a record for the club’s worst-ever beginning.
Despite the mounting scrutiny, Ten Hag appears to have received a temporary reprieve from dismissal.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has reportedly granted him two additional matches to turn the situation around. Following recent draws against Porto and Aston Villa, the team are in desperate need of improvement.
A meeting among United’s hierarchy in London on Tuesday highlighted Ten Hag’s future as a key discussion point.
However, there have been no indications from club officials about plans to part ways with the manager.
Sources from Carrington suggest that Ineos, the club’s ownership group, continues to support Ten Hag’s vision, even as some of his ideas raise eyebrows.
In a move to boost training conditions, Manchester United announced a £50 million investment in Carrington’s refurbishment earlier this year.
However, ongoing construction has forced the team to practice in less than ideal surroundings.
In response, Ten Hag proposed the construction of a large white wall at Carrington, designed to shield the training sessions from public view. This initiative, approved by Ineos, came at a cost of £200,000.
While some club staff have questioned the expense amid a broader cost-cutting initiative. Although he has managed to avoid immediate dismissal during the October international break, Ten Hag’s position remains precarious.
The Dutch manager faces a season filled with scrutiny, and as he enters his third year in charge, questions about the team’s playing style continue to surface.
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