Erik Ten Hag has explained his decision to drop Marcus Rashford for Manchester United’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The English forward was a notable absentee from the Red Devils’ starting lineup this evening having been replaced on the wing by Alejandro Garnacho.
Rashford has scored three times in United’s last two games against Southampton and Barnsley, rediscovering some of the form that saw him fire 30 goals in Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s side enjoyed comfortable wins in each match and their 7-0 demolition of League One side Barnsley on Tuesday night saw Rashford strike twice in an accomplished display.
But he will have to settle for a place on the United bench this evening after Ten Hag made what he described as ‘not a difficult decision’ to drop the star.
Erik Ten Hag has explained his decision to drop Marcus Rashford for Manchester United ‘s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park
Ten Hag made what he described as ‘not a difficult decision’ to drop the star
The Dutchman explained: ‘It was not difficult because we need to rotate.
‘Because we have many games to cover and we have to give Alejandro games – and as we have all seen, he has such a lot of end product, scored so many goals, so many assists, but often as a sub.
‘Also needs starts – he’s had just one start this season.’
Garnacho will form a pacey front three with Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo at Selhurst Park hoping to win and lift United into seventh.
Ten Hag added: ‘We have [depth], but they are not up to full speed.
‘They need now games and to get into match rhythm, so they’re definitely not ready for 90 minutes but it’s a pleasure to have them in the squad and will be beneficial.
‘If we integrate everyone, like Manuel Ugarte – he needs some time – Rasmus Hojlund hasn’t had pre-season, Mason Mount back – yeah it’s a good sign and we need this because have to cover so many games.’
The surprise snubbing of Rashford comes after Ten Hag has warned that he must maintain the right lifestyle if he wants to get back to his best for United.
The 26-year-old’s performances dipped alarmingly last term after signing a new £300,00-a-week contract, and he was censured by his manager for missing training following a 12-hour tequila bender in Belfast and going nightclubbing after United lost the Manchester derby in October.
The surprise snubbing of Rashford comes after Ten Hag has warned that he must maintain the right lifestyle if he wants to get back to his best for United
Rashford missed training following a 12-hour tequila bender in Belfast and going nightclubbing after United lost the Manchester derby in October 2023
Ahead of Saturday’s clash, Ten Hag was asked if Rashford has learned from the experience.
He replied: ‘I think he always knew, and every player knows, because when your lifestyle is not right you can’t perform.
‘You don’t get the right levels when you don’t have a good and disciplined life away from Carrington.’
