What Man Utd staff are saying about Marcus Rashford behind the scenes after public outburst

Manchester United's morale-boosting victory over Chelsea has raised questions over whether Marcus Rashford will be able to get back into the starting line-up over the festive period.

Rashford was dropped by manager Erik ten Hag for Wednesday's match at Old Trafford after a disappointing performance in their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last weekend.

Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Antony started in attack against the Blues and Ten Hag's team selection paid off, with the home side claiming a 2-1 win – thanks to a brace from Scott McTominay.

Rashford was introduced in the second half but was unable to have a major impact on the game, and has now managed just two goals in 19 appearances this season.

Concerns have been raised over Rashford's attitude after he was spotted reacting angrily to being substituted in the defeat to Newcastle.

Speaking to The Athletic, sources at United claim Rashford was merely expressing frustration at his own performance, rather than criticising Ten Hag or his teammates.

"When taken off after an hour at Newcastle, shortly after United had conceded the only goal of the match, Rashford let out an exasperation in industrial language. It is believed he was bemoaning the team’s plight rather than his own," read the report.

"Club staff say Rashford carries the weight of negativity. He really cares when boyhood club United lose, and that is not the case for all who have been in that home dressing room over the past five years."

Rashford has struggled for form this season (Image: Getty)

United next face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday and it remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag will keep Rashford on the bench.

Speaking ahead of the win over Chelsea, Ten Hag insisted the England international had been dropped because of his performances on the pitch and the need to rotate, rather than a disciplinary issue.

When asked if he was because of Rashford's attitude, Ten Hag told Amazon Prime: "No, we play bad as a team, so we can't blame individuals for it.

"It's part of rotation, we have a very good, energised front line and everyone needs to be ready as a team."

Topics: Manchester United, Football, Marcus Rashford, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan