Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, defended his decision to start Marcus Rashford on the bench during the team’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, labeling the commentators’ outrage as “ludicrous.”
Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee, and Amad Diallo were the forwards selected over Rashford, despite his recent form of scoring three goals in the last two matches.
However, the Red Devils struggled to translate their possession into goals, and their missed chances at Selhurst Park allowed the hosts to secure a draw even without playing at their best.
Jamie Redknapp from Sky Sports was among those questioning Ten Hag’s choice to bench Rashford, suggesting there might be other factors at play.
Redknapp stated, “It feels like something has gone wrong. I’m not aware of the specifics, but you don’t bench a player who scored twice against Southampton in midweek.”
He added, “I wouldn’t say he’s fully back, but he seems reminiscent of the Rashford from two years ago. I’m not sure what’s frustrating the manager, but it feels like something happened this week. It’s unusual for a manager to sideline players based on their lifestyle.”
While Ten Hag has made such decisions before, Sir Alex Ferguson would never have taken that approach, as it doesn’t always benefit the players.
In response to Redknapp and others who supported the critique, Ten Hag expressed his frustration, saying, “The speculation from such commentators is ridiculous.”
