Erik Ten Hag shuts down Marcus Rashford speculation after Man Utd draw at Crystal Palace

Erik ten Hag has labelled Jamie Redknapp as “crazy” for suggesting that he benched Marcus Rashford at Crystal Palace due to dissatisfaction with the player.

Despite scoring three goals in his last two matches, Rashford was left on the bench for the goalless draw at Selhurst Park.

In the lead-up to the game, Ten Hag emphasized the importance of Marcus Rashford maintaining the right lifestyle.

Redknapp told Sky Sports: “It feels like something has gone untoward.

“Obviously I don’t know the details, but you don’t drop a player that’s just scored two in midweek (against Barnsley) and scored against Southampton.

‘It feels something has happened this week.

“It’s unusual for a manager to come out and almost out a player by talking about their lifestyle.

“Sir Alex Ferguson would never do it, whereas Ten Hag will do it on occasions and it’s not always beneficial to the player.”

However, Ten Hag responded by accusing Redknapp of lacking understanding on the matter.

“I heard already the speculation (from) some pundits,’ said the United boss.

“That’s crazy. I would almost say that you as a person you are not okay when you bring such speculation if you don’t know what’s (going) on.

“This is just rotation.

“We have many games to cover and more than 11 players, but we have to give all the players their chances if they perform.

“Finally we will find out and the players who perform better will play more.

“But this has nothing to do (with Rashford). I am very happy with Marcus with everything – his defending, his offensive part.

“He scores in this moment, he performs very good.

“So nothing to do with him being on the bench, just rotation.”

Unwilling to let it drop, Redknapp addressed the issue again on Sky after Ten Hag’s comments

“It is a fascinating one today with Marcus Rashford,” he continued.

“We thought he was turning a corner scoring a couple of goals, getting a couple in midweek and one at the weekend.

“I thought momentum is starting to build and getting that confidence and he gets left out today.

“There is that little bit of a cloud over him. I don’t think that is ideal for the club because the manager – every single press conference he is having is going to be about Marcus Rashford.”

Redknapp added that players need to “dedicate your life to football”.

Read more: Pep Guardiola lauds Manchester City star ahead of Arsenal clash

Andoni Iraola believes Liverpool still have the same “identity” under Arne Slot

Liverpool legend John Barnes believes Arne Slot has inherited an incredible gift at Anfield