Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has revealed he used to be repeatedly fined by former boss Louis van Gaal over a training-related issue - although there was a good reason behind it.
Rashford scored his 25th goal of an incredible campaign during Sunday's 2-0 win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, continuing what has been his best season since emerging through the United academy.
The 25-year-old was given his professional debut by Van Gaal in February 2016 for a Europa League tie against Midtjylland.
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He scored twice at Old Trafford, before netting another brace on his Premier League debut against Arsenal three days later.
Rashford never looked back from there, and although he suffered from poor form during last season, he has bounced back in style under Erik ten Hag in the current campaign.
Now back to being a key player at United, the club are desperate to commit him to a new contract, with his current deal expiring next summer.
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It is now seven years since he made his first team debut for the club - but Rashford has revealed that things were not always plain sailing during those early days.
Man Utd star Rashford on Van Gaal
Speaking in an interview on Sky Sports prior to the Carabao Cup final, Rashford explained how Van Gaal used to repeatedly fine him for lateness to training in his first season at the club - although the Dutchman did go on to realise there was a good reason behind it.
The United forward said: "I always remember Thursdays. I used to get fined every Thursday, and it was completely out of my control.
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"But this is the type of person that Van Gaal was. He used to tell me I have to finish my college work, it's non-negotiable, but I also can't be late for training, it's non-negotiable. I had 12 minutes to get here from college!
"He probably didn't know the two things [college and training] contradicted until he fined me the fourth time."
Rashford recalled the anecdote as he reacted to a number of quotes from people who had played a major part in his life and his career.
He said: "He [Van Gaal] was unbelievable with me. When you're in the reserves and you come up to the first team, sometimes you're just a number.
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"You never felt like that under Van Gaal. Whatever time you were with him, he wanted to improve you as much as he could. His method was beneficial for me, and he's a great person as well."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Premier League, Marcus Rashford, Louis Van Gaal, Carabao Cup, Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag