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 due to ‘internal disciplinary’ reasons, revealed boss Erik ten Hag.

The Dutch boss 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.

Speaking on BT Sport, United legend Paul Scholes said: ‘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.’ 

Sportsmail understands the disciplinary action taken against Rashford is not a serious issue and is just an example of Ten Hag enforcing team rules. 

Comparisons have been drawn with Garnacho, who didn’t play during the club’s summer pre-season tour after twice being late for team meetings.

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

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

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.’

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.