Manchester United will reportedly fine Marcus Rashford two weeks wages after his unauthorised nightclub visit last week.
The forward was a notable absentee from the squad as United recorded a 4-2 victory over Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday evening.
In the days before the fixture in South Wales, it was reported that the England international had flown to Belfast during a scheduled period of time off.
While going out socially on Wednesday evening was permitted, the 26-year-old had been due to report to training on the Friday morning.
That did not happen, Rashford said to have told United staff that he was ill and that was communicated by head coach Erik ten Hag to reporters.
© Reuters
However, it was subsequently reported that Rashford had spent a further night in Belfast on Thursday, allegedly against what he had informed United.
When asked about the situation on Sunday, Ten Hag replied: "So he reported ill, for the rest it's an internal matter, I deal with it. As I said, it's an internal matter.
"For you (it raises more questions than answers), but not for me. It's an internal matter, I will deal with it."
According to The Sun, United will respond by fining Rashford a total of two weeks wages, which equates to approximately £650,000.
© Reuters
This is the second incident of this nature in a matter of months, Ten Hag having previously criticised Rashford for attending a pre-arranged birthday party after the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on October 29.
Rashford has recently put together his best run of form in 2023-24, contributing a goal or assist in his last four appearances in all competitions.
As it stands, though, it is unclear whether Rashford will return to the squad for Thursday's Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
Coincidentally, Rashford was dropped to the substitutes' bench for last season's corresponding fixture on New Year's Eve due to a time-keeping issue, although he was later introduced as a replacement and scored the decisive goal of the game.
Darren Plant
