Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is facing criticism for his decision to bench Marcus Rashford during United's recent match against Crystal Palace, with club legend Rio Ferdinand questioning whether the in-form forward was benched at the worst possible time.
After a slow start to the 2024/25 season, Rashford finally found his rhythm, ending a goal drought with a strike in United’s 3-0 win over Southampton.
He followed that up with a stunning brace in the Red Devils’ 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup, showing signs of his old confidence.
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Was Erik ten Hag right to bench Rashford?
Despite Rashford’s recent resurgence, Ten Hag chose to rotate the forward, leaving him on the bench until the 61st minute against Crystal Palace.
United, who had been creating plenty of chances but failing to convert, ended up drawing that game. Ten Hag defended the decision, citing fixture congestion, but Rio Ferdinand believes the rotation disrupted Rashford’s momentum.
On his show Rio Ferdinand Presents, the United icon expressed his confusion.
“When you’ve got a man in form like Marcus Rashford, who’s finally finding his feet, you wonder if it’s the right time to rotate. We’re creating chances, and you take out the guy who’s starting to score. That confuses me,” said the former United defender.
Ferdinand also acknowledged Ten Hag’s challenge in balancing the squad, with young stars like Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo both in fine form.
“Garnacho has been causing havoc, and Amad is playing well too. So it’s a hard one,” he added.
As United prepares for the Europa League clash against FC Twente, fans are left wondering whether Rashford will reclaim his starting spot, or if Ten Hag’s rotation will continue.
