Manchester United training ground was the scene of a light-hearted moment recently, as star forward Marcus Rashford found himself momentarily embarrassed by academy youngster Ethan Wheatley. The incident occurred during a training drill in preparation for their upcoming Europa League clash against Fenerbahce.
The team, under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, were in high spirits during the morning session. Cameras captured an amusing moment when Wheatley managed to outmaneuver his fellow forward Rashford. The 18-year-old has been a regular presence among Ten Hag's substitutes this season and is part of the 20-man squad travelling to Istanbul.
Wheatley was involved in first-team training alongside teenage defensive duo Harry Amass and Habeeb Ugonneye, who are also flying to the Turkish capital. During an intense rondo drill, he left Rashford red-faced by nutmegging him - playing the ball through his legs - much to everyone’s amusement.
Light-hearted incident
Wheatley was part of an outer circle that included both academy and senior players such as Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund. After receiving a pass under pressure from defenders Joshua Zirkzee and Rashford himself, Wheatley skillfully played the ball through Rashford's legs across the circle.
Rashford reacted with disbelief at being outplayed by his younger teammate. He momentarily abandoned the drill before rejoining it with good humour; walking away from the circle with his head in his hands amidst laughter from teammates.
Despite this playful humiliation on training grounds, it is expected that this incident will fuel dressing room banter for some time to come.
Rediscovering Confidence in 2024/25
Despite this minor setback during practice sessions, there is no doubt about Rashford's form this season. The 26-year-old forward has been visibly rediscovering his confidence on the pitch, producing impactful performances.
In Saturday's 2-1 win against Brentford, Rashford created Alejandro Garnacho's equaliser with a pinpoint back-post cross from deep. This boosted his tally for the season to four goals and three assists. Rashford is set to reunite with former manager Jose Mourinho in Istanbul, riding high on a glowing assessment from his current manager Ten Hag.
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United manager, said:
"I really enjoyed today how he played. You see what he is capable of. We want to see this every game because then you see what he can contribute to the team," the Dutchman said after the Brentford win. Really intense and then a brilliant cross. I thought the finish was also brilliant, but the cross was really enjoyable to watch.
"I think we all know he is capable of a lot, and when he has this attitude, then he will score, as he did in Porto. But also giving assists, what he did in Porto and did today. But it starts also with a fighting spirit and 100 per cent intensity. When we bring all this on the pitch, we have a team that can progress and play for trophies this season."
Despite the light-hearted incident at training, it is clear that Rashford remains an integral part of Manchester United’s attacking force.
