Rio Ferdinand slams Erik ten Hag for ‘confusing’ decision to bench Marcus Rashford against Crystal Palace
Marcus Rashford broke his goal drought by scoring in the wins over Southampton and Barnsley last week
Rio Ferdinand has expressed his frustration over Erik ten Hag’s decision to bench Marcus Rashford for Manchester United’s clash against Crystal Palace, calling it “confusing.”
Rashford had recently ended his goal drought, netting in victories over Southampton and Barnsley last week.
However, despite his upturn in form, Ten Hag opted to start Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee, and Amad in the attack for Saturday’s trip to Selhurst Park.
Rashford was left on the bench, making only a 29-minute cameo appearance. United failed to break down Palace’s defence, resulting in a goalless draw against Oliver Glasner’s struggling side.
Ferdinand was left baffled by the decision to bench Rashford just as the forward seemed to be finding his rhythm.
While the former United defender acknowledged the importance of squad rotation over the course of a long season, he questioned the logic behind resting a player who was hitting form.
“Talking of rotation, following the game against Palace, Man United are third in terms of xG, only bettered by Man City and Liverpool,” Ferdinand told his YouTube channel.
“So they’re creating the chances but not scoring the goals.
“When you’ve got a man in form like Marcus Rashford, who’s coming into a bit of form and momentum which is key for any player and their confidence, I’m thinking is it the right time now to rotate?
“We’re creating chances and you take out the guy who is actually starting to score.
“I just look at that and think, wow.
“It was pleasing to see the manager come out and say it was rotation, nothing else, because there was some murmurings around it.
“But Marcus Rashford man, I think he will be sitting there thinking ‘I’ve just hit a bit of form and they’ve taken me out’.
“That confuses me, it’s confusing.
“But then again Garnacho has been one of the most productive players and has been causing havoc.
“And Amad is playing well. So it’s a hard one.”
Read more: Fabrizio Romano provides encouraging update on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract situation
Manchester City midfielder Rodri to miss the remainder of the season
Enzo Maresca says Chelsea are “far from Man City and Arsenal”
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.