Yet another Manchester United star now has a ‘strained’ relationship with Ten Hag

All is not rosy when it comes to Marcus Rashford’s relationship with manager Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United, recent reports have indicated.

Ten Hag, who recently passed the new club hierarchy’s internal review and is set to be handed a contract extension, has had his fair share of player troubles since arriving in Manchester.

In his first season in charge, the Dutchman had to deal with the high-profile tantrums of none other than Cristiano Ronaldo—a duel from which Ten Hag emerged victorious, revamping United’s dressing room culture in the process.

In his second term, Ten Hag clashed with Jadon Sancho. The Englishman’s refusal to apologise to the manager for his perceived lack of professionalism resulted in the forward being shipped out on loan to Borussia Dortmund.

The duo’s differences remain unsolved, meaning the wide-man could soon be heading out the Old Trafford exit door for good.

Now, a new manager-player mismatch appears to be taking centre stage at the Mancunian club, this one starring Marcus Rashford.

Cracks emerging between Manchester United’s golden boy and manager?

A report from MailOnline, who recently looked into the relationship between Erik Ten Hag and Marcus Rashford at Manchester United, has ended up describing it as “strained”.

The two already share a history of ups and downs. Back in November 2023, Ten Hag had disciplined the academy graduate for his overt birthday celebrations following the Reds’ derby defeat to Manchester City.

The issue is far from one-sided, as Rashford also blames Ten Hag for his poor performances last season.

The forward, who managed merely 8 goals and 5 assists in 43 competitive appearances all campaign, believes his poor form was influenced by the Dutch tactician asking him to play deeper to cover United’s problems at full-back.

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Adding fuel to the fire is Rashford’s decision to switch his PR representatives, the report elaborates. The 26-year-old has now associated himself with the firm that represents the likes of Ronaldo and Sancho—two players whose footsteps Ten Hag would prefer Rashford doesn’t follow.

No matter what differences may or may not exist between the two, one thing is clear: It is Rashford who will have to find a way to improve his relationship with Ten Hag.

All things suggest that the Dutchman is here to stay, and history shows the man doesn’t shy away from axing players that don’t follow his philosophy.