Ten Hag slams pundits over Rashford 'speculation'

LONDON -- Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has fired back at pundits over "speculation" that his decision to bench Marcus Rashford against Crystal Palace on Saturday was down to anything other than "rotation."

United left Selhurst Park with just a point from a goalless draw, despite dominating the first half, during which they wasted a number of chances to take the lead.

Ten Hag's call to drop Rashford to the bench came as a surprise after the forward netted his first United goal since March in the 3-0 win against Southampton last weekend and followed up by scoring twice in the 7-0 demolition of Barnsley on Tuesday.

The Dutch manager was not rewarded over the 90 minutes that followed, either. Alejandro Garnacho, who replaced Rashford in the lineup as the only change from last weekend, failed to convert two clear-cut opportunities, including one curled attempt that sailed onto the bar.

All the while, Rashford was regularly shown sitting on the bench by television cameras.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp suggested before the game that something may have occurred between Rashford and Ten Hag during the week. However, Ten Hag fired back at those concerns.

"I heard already speculation from pundits. It's crazy, as a person you are not OK when you bring such speculation when you don't know," Ten Hag said.

"It was just rotation. I am very happy with Marcus in everything he is doing."

Saturday's draw means United will end the weekend in the bottom half of the table with seven points after five games.

They next face FC Twente in the Europa League on Wednesday before a Premier League clash against Tottenham on Sunday.