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Catch 22: Ten Hag's consequential decision not to start Rashford in Manchester United's draw with Crystal Palace

Marcus Rashford was named on the bench for Manchester United's 0-0 draw away at Selhurst Park. This was despite the English forward recently coming into form and Ten Hag's decision is under scrutiny.

By Matthew Guyett

Erik ten Hag might have made a mistake not starting Marcus Rashford
Erik ten Hag might have made a mistake not starting Marcus Rashford / Chloe Knott - Danehouse/GettyImages
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Manchester United were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace on Saturday (September 21) and Marcus Rashford started the game on the bench. The Red Devils should have come away with all three points but were extremely wasteful in front of goal.

Rashford had three goals and one assist ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park. Many expected he would start against the Eagles but Erik ten Hag opted to rotate, instead starting Alejandro Garnacho.

Garnacho hit the bar and missed two big chances while others like Bruno Fernandes also failed to convert opportunities. It was a dissapointing draw given the visitors' dominance.

Rashford came on in the 61st minute but couldn't make the impact required to inspire his side to victory. Garnacho had been Ten Hag's super sub recently, impacting games when introduced in the second half.

Ten Hag's decision to start Rashford at the start of the season had initially been met with backlash amid a lack of form. This is why some fans are puzzled over the England international dropping to the bench against Palace.

Erik ten Hag hit out at speculation over Manchester United's Marcus Rashford

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has been in the line of fire / Chloe Knott - Danehouse/GettyImages

There had been speculation among the media regarding Rashford not starting against Palace. Could there be more to Ten Hag's decision than the Dutch coach simply wanting to rotate his team?

Ten Hag firmly dismissed suggestions of any problems with the Red Devils attacker. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):

"“I have heard already this speculation from some pundits. It’s crazy! I’d say, as a person you’re not ok when you bring such speculation. This is just rotation! I’m very happy with Marcus.""

- Erik ten Hag

Ten Hag has handled Rashford well throughout his reign at Old Trafford. He's supported the forward amid constant criticsm over his performances and personal life.

Rashford enjoyed the best season of his career in Ten Hag's debut campaign with United. He registered 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 games two seasons ago.

Ten Hag should have prioritized Rashford over Joshua Zirkzee

Garnacho was the one who replaced Rashford in Manchester United's starting lineup from the side that beat Southampton 3-0 in the league. The Argentine teenager has been excellent, particularly off the bench this season.

Joshua Zirkzee didn't start in the 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. The Dutch forward came on in the second half but perhaps Rashford should have led the line against Palace.

Rashford is a confidence player and he'd have been buoyed by his recent upturn in form. It will be interesting to see what Ten Hag's frontline looks like against FC Twente in the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday (September 25).

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