RIO FERDINAND has criticised Erik ten Hag for “confusing” Marcus Rashford.
After the Manchester United boss benched Rashford against Crystal Palace – just when the 26-year-old was starting to find some form again.
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Rashford has endured a difficult period at Old Trafford but found the back of the net for the first time in since March in United’s 3-0 win at Southampton.
He then bagged a brace as United thumped Barnsley 7-0 in the midweek Carabao Cup clash, with many believing the forward had been reignited.
But Rashford was subsequently left out of United’s starting XI for their 0-0 trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday, with Alejandro Garnacho instead getting a start.
When quizzed before the game Ten Hag insisted the decision was just to “rotate” his players.
But club legend Ferdinand was baffled by the decision and accused Ten Hag of confusing Rashford by naming him among the subs.
On Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: “Talking of rotation, following the game against Palace.
“United are third in terms of xG, only bettered by Man City and Liverpool. 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?
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“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.”
He added: “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 Diallo is playing well. So it’s a hard one.”
Rashford, who was linked with a move away during the summer, was introduced in the 61st minute after United dominated Palace early on by couldn’t score.
Before kick-off Ten Hag said: “It is not a difficult decision, we have to rotate. We have so many games.
“We also have to give Garnacho games. He has so many goals and assists off the bench, but only has one start this season.”
The Dutchman also hit out at Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp post-match for assuming “obviously something’s happened”.
Ten Hag said: “I heard already speculation from some pundits. That is crazy.
“I would almost say that, as a person, you are not OK when you bring such speculation if you don’t know. This has nothing to do with it.
“I’m very happy with Marcus, with everything.”
The pair fell out last term over mid-season partying incidents, one of which caused Rashford to ring in sick and miss training before an FA Cup tie.
United are back in action against Dutch outfit Twente at Old Trafford in the Europa League on Wednesday.
Man Utd ratings vs Crystal Palace as Andre Onana saves the day for wasteful Red Devils
MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace as they missed a flurry of first-half chances.
Erik ten Hag shocked fans this afternoon when he left Marcus Rashford out of his starting XI.
And the Red Devils failed to make a breakthrough – dropping two more points.
Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his Man Utd player ratings…
ANDRE ONANA – 8/10
Had one save to make just before half time – a comfortable one from Eberechi Eze.
And then, a worldie double save to keep out Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr, rivalling the one made by Arsenal’s David Raya in mid-week.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7
One of United’s most consistent performers who continues to impress week by week. Strong in the tackle and great positioning to stop Palace counters.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7
Lost an early duel with Jean-Philippe Mateta which put the Frenchman in but it was pulled back for a foul. Blamed his boots and changed them moments later.
Unlucky with a brilliant header from a corner that was somehow kept out by Dean Henderson and made a superb last-ditch tackle to stop Eze in the second half.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6
Another player who came close to scoring but for the brilliance of Henderson, swivelling and turning in the six-yard box with a stabbed effort.
Lucky not to be sent off for a ridiculous two-footed lunge that narrowly avoided contact with Daichi Kamada.
DIOGO DALOT – 7
Played as a left winger for most of the first half, such was United’s dominance.
Brilliant pick out only for Garnacho to hit the crossbar.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 7
Covered ground well and linked defence with attack. Drifted forward more in the second half without seriously threatening.
An insane Cruyff piece of skill in the second half was worth the admission fee alone.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6
Kept things ticking over and picked some nice passes at times but his lack of pace and physicality was evident.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Tenacious in ensuring Palace’s midfield could not get a foothold in the game and grazed the top of the bar with a volley into the ground just before the half hour mark.
Was United’s most creative player on the ball and should have had one goal to his name at least.
AMAD DIALLO – 6
Showed glimpses with some darting runs but never possessing the intent and aggression to force anything meaningful from it.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7
Had a personal battle with Henderson, one that he ultimately lost.
Early chance to show it was the right call to start ahead of Marcus Rashford squandered – put through by Zirkzee but 1v1 effort palmed away by Henderson.
Smacked the bar in a similar position from Dalot’s through ball and came close to knocking one in from close range.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 6
Linked up well with Garnacho, dropping deep and slipping the winger in that should have led to the opener. Headed wide from a Diallo corner just before the break.
Rightly subbed off on the hour mark as his influence waned.
SUBS:
MARCUS RASHFORD (ZIRKZEE, 61) – 6
Did very little to convince Erik Ten Hag to throw him back into the starting XI, but was barely given the service either.
MANUEL UGARTE (ERIKSEN, 76) – 6
United certainly appear calmer and more solid with him at the base of their midfield.
RASMUS HOJLUND (DIALLO, 76) – 6
Still getting minutes back into his legs after returning from injury, but this is one of his more forgettable cameos.
