Man Utd coaches ‘shocked by surprise request flops after Fulham defeat’

MANCHESTER UNITED staff were reportedly “shocked” by a surprise player request following their defeat to Fulham.

The Red Devils suffered a dramatic late defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday.

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Erik ten Hag’s future has since been thrown into doubt again after United fell further behind in the race for a top four finish.

SunSport also understands that the Dutchman’s relationship with Marcus Rashford is beyond repair.

The pair are barely speaking after Rashford called in sick for training after an all-night party in Belfast last month.

Meanwhile, his staff was further shaken by Saturday’s defeat.

According to the Guardianplayers complained that they wanted Sunday off after the defeat.

However, the request was rejected, after which the normal analysis routine and a warm-down under Ten Hag followed.

Players were reminded of their commitments by staff, the report added, with Ten Hag not informed of the request.

Saturday’s defeat ended a run of four straight wins for United, who were defeated by Alex Iwobi’s 97th-minute winner.

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The Red Devils are now eight points behind the top four and are in sixth place.

Ten Hag will be hoping his side can bounce back at the City Ground on Wednesday when they take on Nottingham Forest in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Before the match, he defended under-fire winger Antony, telling reporters: “Antony: I have supported him for a long time. I know his capabilities and he has great capabilities.”

“If he plays like I know from the past, he is unstoppable. No defender can stop him because he is one of the fastest players in the first ten meters.

“If he plays that game, he will perform. I’m sure he will do that in the future. I’m sure he is resilient, he has character and he will fight back and I support him.”

“He now has to wait for his chance and when he gets there, he has to pick it up.”

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