Manchester United must be wishing this season ends once and for all. The team's performances have been very poor and the results disappointing, as they were quickly eliminated in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, while in the Premier League they are far behind leaders Liverpool. That leaves them with only one tournament to aim for a title: the FA Cup.
More news about the Premier League:
Klopp's impressive change in appearance in 9 years with Liverpool
But that is only part of the problems. Off the field things have also happened that have affected them negatively and caused the team to fall short of expectations. Injuries were one of the factors, but also non-soccer related conflicts. It all started with that quarrel between boss Erik Ten Hag and Jadon Sancho that ended with the winger's departure to Borussia Dortmund. And there were also other situations, such as the allegations against Antony and the alleged fights in the locker room after the defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion.
And now a new scandal has been added. On Friday, during the pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup Round of 32 match against Newport, Erik Ten Hag claimed that Marcus Rashford had been unable to train with his teammates because he was ill. However, images were seen of the England forward enjoying a party the night before in Northern Ireland, where he had travelled to visit his former United's academy teammate Ro-Shaun Williams.
This could spell trouble for Marcus, considering it is not the first time this has happened this season. Last year he went out partying after the heavy 3-0 defeat against Manchester City and at the time Ten Hag said: "I spoke with him about it. It's unacceptable. He apologised and that is it. For us it's an internal matter. He's very motivated to put things right. He's totally with us".
More news about the Premier League:
He's exhausted, the luxury vacation Klopp would take when he leaves Liverpool
They have a key game
This Sunday Manchester United need a win against Newport to advance to the FA Cup Round of 16. This is the most important objective for them right now, as it is the only tournament they have a chance to win. In the Premier League they will do their best to improve their performances and reach the qualification zone for the next Champions League.
