Erik ten Hag doubles down on Marcus Rashford decision after 'crazy' Man Utd theory

Marcus Rashford returned to Manchester United’s starting line-up for their Europa League opener against Dutch side FC Twente and Erik ten Hag has opened up on the the striker’s place in his squad

Erik ten Hag has revealed that Alejandro Garnacho ’s fine form is the reason for Marcus Rashford ’s Manchester United absence.

The Red Devils academy graduate had started each of the club’s opening seven games of the season in all competitions ahead of being benched in the recent 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace. Questions were levelled at the United boss, particularly after his side struggled to create at Selhurst Park.

And Ten Hag has since revealed that Garnacho has simply had a bigger impact. Speaking after Rashford returned to the line-up against FC Twente. Ten Hag said: "We have to think about Alejandro Garnacho, who is best from the left as well and has so much end product.

"I think when you list all the games so far, it's Garnacho who has the most goals and assists for us so far, so that's also a consideration every time we have to make."

Rashford has scored three times and notched a solitary assist so far this season. Garnacho meanwhile has four goals and three assists in seven outings in all competitions.

Ten Hag’s latest comments are the second time that he has admitted to a preference for the young Argentine over recent weeks. Speaking at the weekend, he said: "It is not a difficult decision because we have to rotate.

“"We have so many games to cover and we have to give Alejandro games. As we have all seen, he has a lot of end product. He's scored so many goals and [got] assists. Also, he needs starts. He's only started one time this season."

The Dutchman added: "Alejandro needs starts to get better and to get more powerful so, therefore, we rotate which is good, I think. It's then about he players on the bench to come on and have an impact."

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Ten Hag was also drawn into a war of words with former Tottenham man Jamie Redknapp. He had previously claimed “something untoward” may have happened between the United boss and Rashford, leading to his position on the bench vs Palace.

Asked about those comments in a press conference, Ten Hag replied: “That's crazy. I would almost say as a person you are not OK when you bring such speculation if you don't know what's up. This is just rotation.

"I didn't understand the criticism. People are not entitled to bring speculation. If I give an explanation they have to trust my words. That is not right."

Rashford will have another chance to force himself into Ten Hag’s starting line-up this weekend. United take on Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday

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