- The English striker’s form has improved, including two goals against Barnsley
- Front row at Selhurst Park of Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Josh Zirkzee
- AZ FOOTBALL: Listen now Wherever you get your podcasts or watch them on YouTube. New episodes every Wednesday
Erik Ten Hag has explained his decision to leave out Marcus Rashford for Manchester United’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The English striker was a notable absentee from the Red Devils’ starting line-up tonight, having been replaced on the wing by Alejandro Garnacho.
Rashford has scored three times in United’s last two games against Southampton and Barnsley, recapturing some of the form that saw him score 30 goals in Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s side have enjoyed comfortable wins in each game and their 7-0 thrashing of League One side Barnsley on Tuesday night saw Rashford score twice in a slick display.
But he will have to settle for a place on the United bench tonight after Ten Hag made what he described as “not a difficult decision” to leave the star out.
Erik Ten Hag has explained his decision to leave out 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 part ways with the star.
The striker scored twice in United’s 7-0 Carabao Cup win over Barnsley on Tuesday.
The Dutchman explained: ‘It wasn’t difficult because we needed to rotate.
‘Because we have a lot of games to cover and we have to give games to Alejandro – and as we have all seen, he has a lot of final product, he scored a lot of goals, gave a lot of assists, but often as a substitute.
‘He also needs to be a starter: he has only started once this season.’
Garnacho will form a speedy attacking trio with Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo at Selhurst Park hoping to win and lift United into seventh place.
Ten Hag added: ‘We have (depth), but they are not at full capacity.
‘They need to play now and get into match rhythm, so they are definitely not ready for 90 minutes, but it’s a pleasure to have them in the team and it will be beneficial.
“If we bring everyone back, like Manuel Ugarte, who needs some time, Rasmus Hojlund hasn’t had pre-season, Mason Mount is back, yes, it’s a good sign and we need it because we have to cover a lot of games.”
Rashford’s surprise snub comes after Ten Hag warned he must maintain the right lifestyle if he is to return to his best for United.
The 26-year-old’s form dropped alarmingly last season after signing a new £300,000-a-week contract, and he was censured by his manager for missing training after a 12-hour tequila binge in Belfast and for going to a nightclub after United lost the Manchester derby in October.
Rashford’s surprise snub comes after Ten Hag warned he must maintain the right lifestyle if he is to return to his best for United.
Before Saturday’s clash, Ten Hag was asked if Rashford had learned from his mistakes last year. He replied: “I think he always knew that, and all the players know that.”
Rashford missed training after a 12-hour tequila binge in Belfast and went to a club 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 that, and all players know that, because when your lifestyle is not right you cannot perform.
‘You don’t get to the right levels when you don’t have a good, disciplined life away from Carrington.’
