MANCHESTER UNITED staff were reportedly left “shocked” by a surprise player request following their defeat to Fulham.
The Red Devils slipped to a dramatic late defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Manchester United players made a ‘surprise request’ after losing to FulhamRex
Erik ten Hag’s staff were reportedly left shocked by the requestGetty
Erik ten Hag’s future has since been thrown back into doubt 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 to training last month following late night partying in Belfast.
Meanwhile, his staff were left in further shock off the back of Saturday’s defeat.
According to the Guardian, players complained that they wanted Sunday off after the loss.
The request was rejected, though, with the normal routine of analysis and a warm down under Ten Hag followed.
Players were reminded of their commitments by staff, the report adds, with Ten Hag not made aware of the request.
Saturday’s loss ended a run of four consecutive victories for United, who were beaten by Alex Iwobi’s 97th minute winner.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
The Red Devils now find themselves eight points adrift of the top four in sixth place.
Ten Hag will hope his side can bounce back at the City Ground on Wednesday as they face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round.
Ahead of the tie, he defended under-fire winger Antony, telling reporters: “Antony: I backed him for a long time. I know his abilities and he has great abilities.
“When he plays like I know from the past he is unstoppable, no defender can stop him because he’s one of the quickest players in the first 10 yards.
“When he plays that game he will perform. I’m sure he will do for the future, I’m sure he is resilient, he is a character and he will fight back and I back him.
“He now has to wait for his chance and once he is there he has to pick up.”
MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: All the latest news from Old Trafford