Marcus Rashford dropped to the Man United bench for ‘internal disciplinary’ reasons

Marcus Rashford was dropped to the Manchester United bench for their clash with Wolves after oversleeping and missing one of Erik ten Hag’s recent team meetings.

Ten Hag opted to start Argentine youngster Alejandro Garnacho in place of the England international before bringing Rashford on as a half-time substitute, who went on to score the eventual winner.

The forward performed sensationally in their previous fixture – a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest –  which left pundits guessing as to what has caused the forward’s omission from the start.

Marcus Rashford was dropped for Manchester United’s trip to Wolves over a disciplinary issue

Man United boss Erik ten Hag (right) confirmed the omission was due to ‘internal disciplinary’

Rashford was brought on as a half-time substitute with United chasing a goal at Molineux

He went on to score the winner in the 76th minute after combining with Bruno Fernandes

Ten Hag then revealed Rashford had been dropped due to a ‘internal disciplinary issue’ before kick-off, and comparisons were immediately drawn with Garnacho, who didn’t play during the club’s summer pre-season tour after twice being late for team meetings.

And after coming off the bench to net the winner at Wolves, Rashford confirmed he had been dropped for a similar disciplinary breach to Garnacho, having overslept and missed one of Ten Hag’s meetings altogether.

‘Obviously it’s the rules,’ he said. ‘It’s a mistake that can happen. 

‘Disappointed not to start but I understand the decision. Happy we managed to win the game anyway, so we can draw a line under it. 

‘I was late for a meeting – I overslept!’

United legend Paul Scholes questioned the decision to drop the star ‘in the form of his life’

Rashford celebrates with Anthony Martial after combining to score against Nottingham Forest

Rashford has been enjoying a purple patch for United of late, with Saturday’s goal against Wolves his third in five league games.

The England international had also continued his fine form during United’s clash with Forest after opening the scoring with a well-taken finish before later getting an assist.

United legend Paul Scholes was left puzzled by Rashford’s absence before the game, saying: ‘It’s difficult to know, could be lateness. Ten Hag is really honest.

‘Rashford is in the form of his life but for him to stick by his guns like he has done, we’ll see if it’s the right decision after the game.

‘Ten Hag doesn’t care who it is. Rashford would be the first name on the team-sheet.’

Ex-Man City defender Joleon Lescott also suggested that Ten Hag has prioritised ‘consistency’ over Rashford’s form.

Former Man City defender Joleon Lescott claimed ten Hag’s actions will keep ‘consistency’

He said: ‘I’m a massive fan of Rashford and I was looking forward to seeing him play today but it’s important Ten Hag keeps the consistency.’

Scholes’ former team-mate, Rio Ferdinand, was also on punditry and agreed that Rashford’s omission may end up becoming a ‘positive for the dressing room’.

‘It’s disappointing, when you come here as a fan you want to see your best players playing,’ the BT Sport pundit explained.

‘At the same time, you’re pleased the manager is keeping to his principles where if someone does something wrong, they get punished for it. 

‘If players respond to this type of decision with respect, if you step out of line you will be punished, that can only be positive for the dressing room. 

‘This changing room has probably needed that bit of hardness and discipline. He’s cold and concise – you will like and respect and appreciate that in the dressing room.’

Ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand says the decision may be ‘positive for the dressing room’

The decision to drop Rashford comes amid a fine streak of form for the England international – who has four goals in his last five appearances.

He marked his return to Manchester United action with a breathtaking solo goal in their Carabao Cup win over Burnley before notching against Forest.

It’s the second time in recent weeks that Rashford has found himself on the bench, despite good form, after being dropped for England despite scoring a brace against Wales. 

Rashford has been in scintillating form in front of goal for Manchester United in recent weeks