Erik ten Hag explains decision to start Alejandro Garnacho over Marcus Rashford against Crystal Palace

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has provided insight into his decision to bench Marcus Rashford for tonight’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace.

Rashford, who has recently started to regain his best form after a slow start to the season, found the net in United’s 7-0 Carabao Cup demolition of Barnsley on Tuesday.

However, despite his recent performances, Ten Hag has opted to start him on the bench for tonight’s fixture as he seeks to manage his squad and secure a third consecutive win.

Andre Onana starts between the posts, with a back four consisting of Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, and Noussair Mazraoui.

In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes have been given the nod to start.

Up front, Ten Hag has chosen to lead the attack with Joshua Zirkzee, while Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho take up the wide positions.

Speaking before the match, Ten Hag explained his decision to leave Rashford out of the starting lineup

He claims the need for squad rotation to keep players fresh for the congested fixture schedule.

He said: “We need to rotate. No one can play all the games.

“Garnacho has had end product and he hasn’t started.

“He needs starts. Rotation is good.

“Is it difficult to bench Rashford? No, it’s not difficult because you have to rotate.

“Nobody can play every game and Garnacho also needs to start to continue to improve.”

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