LONDON — Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hit back at pundits over “speculation” that his decision to bench Marcus Rashford against Crystal Palace on Saturday was down to more than just “rotation.”
United left Selhurst Park with just a point after being held to a goalless draw, despite dominating the first half, in which they squandered numerous chances to take the lead.
Ten Hag's decision to leave Rashford on the bench came as a surprise after the striker scored his first goal for United since March in the 3-0 win over Southampton last weekend and followed that up by scoring twice in the 7-0 rout of Barnsley on Tuesday.
The Dutch coach was not rewarded in the next 90 minutes either. Alejandro Garnacho, who replaced Rashford in the starting eleven as the only change from last weekend, failed to convert two clear-cut chances, including a curling shot that went against the crossbar.
Throughout that time, television cameras regularly showed Rashford sitting on the bench.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp suggested before the match that something might have happened between Rashford and Ten Hag during the week. However, Ten Hag has responded to those concerns.
“I've heard speculation from experts. It's crazy, as a person it's not right for you to make such speculations without knowing anything,” Ten Hag said.
“It was just one rotation. I'm very happy with Marcus in everything he's doing.”
Saturday's draw means United will end the weekend in the bottom half of the table with seven points after five games.
They next face FC Twente in the Europa League on Wednesday before a Premier League clash against Tottenham on Sunday.
