Marcus Rashford: Why ten Hag dropped Man United star vs Crystal Palace

• Erik ten Hag defended his decision to bench Marcus Rashford for their daunting trip to Selhurst Park on September 21
• Rashford was dropped despite seemingly finding his form again and scoring thrice in Manchester United's last two games
• He was brought in for the last half hour but failed to do much as the Red Devils were forced to settle for a goalless stalemate

Erik ten Hag has come out to explain why he dropped Marcus Rashford for their trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday evening.

Rashford was a major absentee when the starting line-ups were named despite the forward turning around his form lately.

Marcus Rashford looks on from the bench during Manchester United's game against Crystal Palace on September 21, 2024. Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse.
Source: Getty Images

Marcus Rashford's goals this season

The English forward scored twice in midweek against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup to add to his season opener against Southampton last weekend.

His goal against the Saints was his first in 13 Premier League games for the Red Devils. It was this poor form that saw former England manager Gareth Southgate drop him from the Three Lions squad that did duty at Euro 2024.

However, even after finding his scoring boots again, Rashford found himself on the bench, much to the surprise of many fans. Ten Hag elected to go with a forward line of Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo, supplemented by captain Bruno Fernandes.

Why ten Hag benched Rashford against Palace

Ten Hag had earlier accused the 26-year-old of a lack of professionalism last season. He, however, attributed his bold decision at Selhurst Park to the many games they have to play.

"No, it was not a difficult decision because we have to rotate," said ten Hag in his pre-match interview. "We have so many games to cover and also, we have to give Alejandro games," as quoted by Metro UK.

The decision backfired as the two sides battled out to a barren draw. Rashford was introduced in the 61st minute for Zirkzee but failed to impact proceedings.

Why Lisandro Martinez wasn't red carded

In the same game, YEN.com.gh has reported that EPL has explained why Lisandro Martinez wasn't sent off despite a dangerous two-footed tackle.

The Argentine was lucky to remain on the pitch after planting both his feet near where Daichi Kamada was controlling the ball.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke