Some eyes were raised amongst Manchester United fans when lineups were announced ahead of their Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
It was surprising to see Marcus Rashford left on the bench, with Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo the starting front three at Selhurst Park.
According to head coach Erik ten Hag, there was nothing to worry about as they were simply rotating the squad, but there were worries of an injury behind the scenes.
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"It was not difficult [to leave Rashford out] because we need to rotate," Ten Hag said when asked about the change prior to the match. "Alejandro Garnacho also needs starts to get better and get power. Therefore, we rotate...he has only started one time this season."
Rashford had just come off a match where he scored two goals and assisted another against Barnsley in a massive 7-0 victory in the third round of the EFL Cup, so his exclusion was surprising and raised caution amongst supporters. In fact, Rashford's withdrawal for Garnacho was the only change from the XI that beat Southampton 3-0 last weekend.
However, rotation also makes logical sense. Rashford had started every single match for Manchester United so far this season, playing 464 total minutes from a possible 540. He was withdrawn in the 63rd minute of the Barnsley game in what appeared to be nothing more than a tactical switch with the Red Devils already up 5-0 at the time.
Rashford's inclusion amongst the substitutes suggests he's not carrying any fitness concerns, and he could enter in the second half if the Red Devils need an attacking injection.
After the match, the Man United boss reacted with vigor at questions regarding Rashford's fitness, which were natural after the player was sat on the bench. Yet Ten Hag clearly did not appreciate the prompts.
"I heard already speculation from pundits," said the Dutchman after the match. "It's crazy, as a person you are not OK when you bring such speculation when you don't know. It was just rotation.
"I am very happy with Marcus in everything he is doing."
