Erik ten Hag Addresses Rashford’s Non-Starting Status Against Crystal Palace
Erik ten Hag has dismissed claims that Marcus Rashford was dropped by stating, "This is crazy." The suggestion followed Rashford’s absence from the starting XI during Manchester United's 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Rashford had recently scored three goals in his last two appearances, but Ten Hag clarified his stance, stating, "This is just rotation. We have many games to cover", reports EuroSport.
Rashford began the match on the bench and entered as a substitute in the 61st minute. This decision came despite his scoring efforts in a 3-0 victory over Southampton and a brace against Barnsley in the League Cup shortly before their match with Palace. Rashford had been a starter in every game this season except for the contest against Crystal Palace.
Responding to the speculation, Ten Hag stated, "I heard already speculation from some pundits. That is crazy. I would almost say that as a person, you are not okay when you bring such speculation if you don’t know."
He explained that Rashford's benching was a matter of player rotation. "We have more than a starting 11 of players," Ten Hag emphasized. "If the players perform, we will give them their chances. The players who perform better will play more." He reassured that "there is nothing to do with it that he was on the bench, just rotation," adding, "I’m very happy with Marcus, with everything."
In Rashford's usual left-sided position at Selhurst Park, Ten Hag chose to start Alejandro Garnacho. Up front, Joshua Zirkzee filled the role Rashford typically occupied against Barnsley. Captain Bruno Fernandes played centrally, while Amad Diallo took a position on the right. Despite this configuration, United struggled through their third winless game of the season.
"I have to say Amad is playing very good," Ten Hag noted. "Garnacho has made a substantial impact in most games, except maybe against Liverpool. We need to play them as well."
Earlier, SSP reported that the England striker Ivan Toney shines for Al-Ahli with a stellar performance.