ERIK TEN HAG has clearly lost his patience with Marcus Rashford.
The fans are long gone.
This latest episode of being unable to train on Friday after partying in Belfast the night before will be the final straw for some.
He was “sick”, the club said, but Ten Hag would not leave him alone and made it clear before their FA Cup win over Newport that it was an “internal” issue he would have to deal with.
Rashford had hoped his goal and defiant celebration against Tottenham last time would have brought people back to his side.
It will now take something more than that.
After that incident in the 2-2 home draw against Spurs, Rashford suggested on social media that his imitation of people talking too much about his form was actually a response to a protest against his support for Jadon Sancho on 'X'.
Perhaps it was that he took an ill-conceived swipe at pundits and more serious United fans, who were growing increasingly frustrated with his performances this season.
At Wigan in the previous cup round, the Red Devils fans were given the full length of one stand, and 7,500 of them filled it.
It was the flank that Rashford operated in the second half.
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Although it wasn't picked up on TV, he received a lot of criticism from a dedicated following who follow this club wherever he goes.
So before anyone jumps to the ever-ridiculous theory that this piece is a case of the media building someone up to tear them down, read what two dedicated fans had to say after that night.
Here's one: “Most of us can accept that a player isn't good enough, but if someone refuses to make the effort, plays for themselves and tries stupid, arrogant showboat movies all the time…
“I was sitting in the third row and saw an incident where Wigan were awarded a goal kick or free kick.
“Bruno told Rashford to press further into the full-back, Rashford didn't like it, he waved his arms at Bruno and eventually sulked his way to where he was told (and supposed) to go.
“He seems to think he can just do his own thing when it suits him.”
And someone else traveling across the country to see United was equally critical.
He said: “Everyone around me was just tired of him… constantly taking way too many touches or doing that thing where he keeps the ball dead for a few seconds.”
These two are not United fans who sit at home and make phone calls, but spend their hard earned money through thick and thin for the last decade.
Understandably, some will see this as harsh on a player who posted a career-best 30 goals last season.
THE FOCUS IS LOST
Someone who was rightly awarded an MBE by Prince William for his campaign to feed vulnerable children.
He has undoubtedly used the enormous amount of free time that footballers have successfully.
But there's no doubt his focus has been lost.
He's had more agents and PR people lately than probably the rest of the team combined.
One group that dealt with his image has The Chemical Brothers on their resume, and there are others. Why?
Roy Keane remained loyal to one lawyer, Paul Scholes never used anyone in his hometown of Oldham who preferred football with a pie and a pint.
Whoever advised him definitely had to go after he decided to celebrate his birthday at China White the night after United were defeated 3-0 in the derby by Manchester City last October.
“It was just a few friends and family,” said one of his PR team, who in turn threatened legal action if anyone dared say otherwise.
Those who were there suggested it was a little more lively.
Erik ten Hag was certainly not happy with it
Why does he seem to be angry at everyone? He should enjoy it, he plays for Man United
Roy Keane
The no-nonsense boss said: “I am aware of it. I talked to him about it. It's unacceptable. I told him, he apologized and that was it. For us it is an internal matter.”
The same boss who left him out of the starting lineup four times in December and signed him nine times when he started him.
Rashford looked more than unhappy when he was taken off the pitch in the 88th minute of last Sunday's match against Spurs, with the match looking at 2-2.
He has four goals and six assists this season and is now halfway through the season.
Those who see Rashford in training say he is without doubt by far the club's most talented player.
He was excellent last season. But United need players to do that and then get back to work.
“We need to see more, he has shown it before, he has the quality. Why does he seem to be angry at everyone? He has to enjoy it, he plays for Man United.”
Roy Keane's words when assessing that defiant celebration after the Spurs game.
God knows what to think now.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is taking another broom through Old Trafford as he tries to get the club back on track.
Rashford wants to be very careful not to get wiped out.
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