Marcus Rashford revealed that oversleeping was the reason that Erik ten Hag dropped him for Manchester United's game with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
United returned to Premier League action in midweek with a very convincing victory over Nottingham Forest, with Casemiro turning in an excellent player of the match performance.
However, it was Rashford who got things going, scoring the opening goal of the game in the first half, finishing off a training ground corner kick routine.
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Having scored three times in the World Cup, and in the Carabao Cup win against Burnley, it continued some excellent form from the 25-year-old.
There was shock then, when United's team sheet for the game against Wolves on Saturday afternoon was revealed and Rashford was on the bench.
Ahead of kick off, Erik ten Hag revealed that it was down to 'disciplinary reasons,' something that United fans backed the manager for.
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The forward's punishment only lasted till half-time, as he came on for Alejandro Garnacho, and went on to score the only goal of the game, in a generally tight affair.
After the game the manager refused to reveal why Rashford was benched, but the player was happy to explain that he'd missed the start of a team meeting.
"I was a little bit late. I slept in, I overslept," he told BT Sport.
"It’s the team rules and a mistake that can happen. [I was] Disappointed not to play but I understand the decision. I’m happy we managed to win the game. I think we can draw a line under it and move on."
Whilst it was a move that could have backfired, the choice to bring Rashford on, and see him score, meant Ten Hag's decision was vindicated.
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Not only that, it continued to show that the manager really has a hold on his team, which previous United boss' might not have been able to claim.
Certainly Rashford's teammate Luke Shaw believed that it was the correct call from the gaffer, agreeing that in the past players could get away with what they wanted.
"People can't do whatever they want," the defender said after full time, "maybe that has been the problem in the past - people getting away with silly little things but the manager takes that into consideration.
"You saw today if you don't keep standards high you won't play."
The win over Wolves meant that United moved above Tottenham Hotspur, who they had a game in hand over, putting them into the top four.
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They have now won their past five games in all competitions, although it's only four league games since they lost 3-1 to Aston Villa.
Ten Hag will be hoping that his strong discipline will make sure his side continue to be on their game at all times and creates some consistency.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy/BT SportTopics: Football, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Wolverhampton Wanderers
