Man Utd star Marcus Rashford risks Erik ten Hag anger by going clubbing after Man City defeat

But United were well off the pace as they were ruthlessly put to the sword by their fiercest rivals.

Erling Haaland netted a brace with Phil Foden also on target as City secured all three points - and derby day bragging rights.

For Rashford, it was yet again a day to forget.

Big things were expected of the forward this term after he'd netted 30 goals across all competitions last season.

Rashford was even given a bumper new deal back in the summer that has seen him become the best-paid player at Old Trafford.

So far, however, it's been a campaign for him to forget.

Rashford has scored just once for United - and that was in a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal all the way back in September.

Now, according to the Daily Mail, he's risked angering Ten Hag by going clubbing following his side's defeat to City on Sunday.

The United star went out with close friends and family to mark his 26th birthday.

In defence of the player, those in his inner circle say it was an 'intimate, planned celebration in a private area of the club'.

The party is said to have finished at around 3.30am, though it's unknown if Rashford stayed out that long.

It will, however, be intriguing to see what view Ten Hag takes of the situation.

​United are a club in crisis - even if they have no plans to relieve the Dutchman of his duties just yet.

Rashford's own form has done nothing to silence his doubters despite his heroics last season.

The report says even his United team-mates feel the forward must step up if the club are to overcome a torrid start to the season.

All the progress they seemingly made under Ten Hag last season seems to be unravelling with each and every week.

But United won't have too long to dwell on their latest defeat with the club preparing for Wednesday night's Carabao Cup showdown with Newcastle.

The Red Devils beat Eddie Howe's side in the final of the same competition last season.

But with United poor at present, another chastening match at Old Trafford could be on the cards.

Ten Hag, meanwhile, has insisted his current side will never play like his old Ajax team.

"We will never play that football," he said when asked about the contrast in playing styles.

"Because those were different players.

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"This is also not why I came here. We are playing different football than I showed at Ajax because I have to, because I can't play the same way."

He added: "Ajax has a very typical and characteristic style of play, with Manchester United I will always show different football.

"I did so last year as well. We play much more direct football here because I have the players for that here."

United are rooted to eighth in the Premier League table.

They're eight points behind Liverpool in the race to finish in the top four.