Manchester United need a goal animal - and they've got a party animal

Marcus Rashford may be facing disciplinary action for missing training after reportedly enjoying back-to-back nights out in Belfast. The Manchester United forward allegedly spent Wednesday night out in Belfast and then delayed his return flight until Friday morning due to illness, resulting in him missing training that day.

Manager Erik ten Hag confirmed Rashford's absence for today's FA Cup fourth-round clash against Newport County. Reports now suggest Rashford had two consecutive nights out in Belfast. This isn't the first time the English forward has faced criticism for off-field behaviour. Earlier this season, he was reprimanded by Ten Hag for clubbing after a match against Manchester City, with the manager deeming it "unacceptable." Rashford was also dropped from the starting lineup against Wolves in December 2022 for being late to a meeting. Given this recent incident, Rashford is likely to face consequences.

Manchester United has been dealing with disciplinary issues, as evidenced by Jadon Sancho's recent exclusion from the team following a disagreement with Ten Hag. Rashford's reported actions add to the club's growing concerns about maintaining discipline. According to reports, Rashford trained on Wednesday but was seen at Lavery's Bar in Belfast that evening ahead of a planned day off. He was then allegedly spotted at Thompsons Garage nightclub the following night before flying home on Friday morning via a private jet.

Without Rashford, his teammates should still have an easy task today against fourth-tier opposition. Newport County boss Graham Coughlan expresses the excitement shared by himself and many of his players at the prospect of facing Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round at a sold-out Rodney Parade. Coughlan, a huge United fan, acknowledges that this match is a dream come true, as he had always hoped for an opportunity to play against the Red Devils.

Despite Newport County's recent run of form and the enthusiasm surrounding the match, Ten Hag remains cautious. With regular goalkeeper Andre Onana unavailable, Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is set to make his United debut. The Dutchman emphasizes Bayindir's experience and readiness for the challenge, acknowledging the pressure he has faced at previous club Fenerbahce. Ten Hag acknowledges the different atmosphere at Rodney Parade compared to Old Trafford and emphasizes the need for his team to respect their opponents. Despite United's position as a big club, Ten Hag stresses the importance of approaching the match with the right mindset and not underestimating Newport County.

FA CUP

Fourth Round

Friday

Chelsea - Aston Villa 0-0

Sheffield W. - Coventry 1-1 (0-1)

/Gassama 84 - Torp 45/

Bristol City - Nott.Forest 0-0

Tottenham - Man.City 0-1 (0-0)

/Ake 88/

Saturday

Ipswich - Maidstone Utd 1-2 (0-1)

/Sarmiento 56 - Reynolds 43, Corne 66/

Leeds - Plymouth 1-1 (1-0)

/Anthony 31 - Randell 73/

Sheffield Utd - Brighton 2-5 (2-2)

/Hamer 44, Osula 45+8 - Buonanotte 14, Joao Pedro 29 pen, 52 pen, 67, Welbeck 90+7/

Leicester - Birmingham 3-0 (0-0)

/Vardy 47, Akgun 72, Praet 88/

Everton - Luton 1-2 (0-1)

/Harrison 59 - Mykolenko 39 og, Woodrow 90+6/

Fulham - Newcastle 0-2 (0-1)

/Longstaff 39, Burn 61/

Sunday

14.45: (3.80) WBA (3.45) Wolverhampton (2.00)

17.00: (3.35) Watford (3.45) Southampton (2.15)

17.30: (1.17) Liverpool (8.00) Norwich (14.0)

19.30: (18.0) Newport (11.0) Man.Utd. (1.10)

Monday

22.30: (1.65) Blackburn (4.00) Wrexham (5.20)

***odds are subject to change