Man United manager Erik ten Hag has blamed Manchester United star for Draw against Crystal palace

Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, strongly criticized Sky Sports commentator Jamie Redknapp, labeling his remarks as “not acceptable” after Redknapp suggested that Marcus Rashford was benched as a form of punishment. This controversy emerged when Rashford did not start in United’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace, a surprising choice given his recent performance. Having begun the first six matches of the season and scored three goals in his last two games, his absence sparked significant discussion.

Prior to the match, Ten Hag clarified that Rashford’s benching was purely a matter of rotation due to the team’s demanding schedule. He stressed the importance of giving other players a chance to shine, noting the impressive contributions of wingers Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo. While Ten Hag’s comments focused on squad management, Redknapp implied that Rashford’s omission was related to off-field issues and a lack of discipline.

In the lead-up to the game, Redknapp remarked, “It seems like something has gone wrong… Clearly, something has occurred.” This statement prompted a pointed response from Ten Hag after the match, as he directly addressed Redknapp’s insinuations. In his post-match press conference, Ten Hag expressed frustration over what he deemed unfounded speculation, stating, “Already, the conjecture from certain commentators is absurd.” He criticized Redknapp for making assumptions without all the facts, asserting, “I would argue that as a human, it’s irresponsible to bring up such speculation without knowing the situation.”

Ten Hag reiterated that Rashford’s absence was not due to punishment or any disciplinary issues. “It is merely rotation,” he emphasized. “We have many games ahead, and we need to provide opportunities for all players.” He underscored the necessity of rotation in a season filled with fixtures, asserting that the best-performing players would emerge over time, but it was vital to keep the squad fresh and competitive. The manager also praised Rashford’s current form, stating, “I am extremely pleased with Marcus in all aspects, including his defending and attacking play; he scores at this time, so he is doing well.” He made it clear that Rashford’s benching was simply a tactical decision, not a reflection of any dissatisfaction with his performance.

Ten Hag also acknowledged the contributions of other squad members, highlighting Amad Diallo’s excellent form and Garnacho’s consistent performances, except for the match against Liverpool. “We need to play them as well,” he noted, emphasizing his commitment to utilizing players who are performing well.

This isn’t the first instance of Ten Hag confronting commentator opinions about Rashford. Just three weeks earlier, he had rebuked Alan Shearer for a “dumb” critique of the striker on BBC’s Match of the Day. This ongoing tension illustrates the scrutiny managers endure, particularly regarding key players like Rashford, whose performance is constantly under observation.

In the match against Crystal Palace, United created several opportunities in the first half but failed to score, hitting the crossbar twice and forcing goalkeeper Dean Henderson into six critical saves. Henderson’s efforts kept Palace in the game, and as the match progressed, the home side grew bolder, creating notable chances in the second half.

Reflecting on the performance, Ten Hag acknowledged that his team needed to be more clinical. “We played an excellent game,” he stated. “The only criticism I have is that we were not decisive enough in the box; we should have scored.” He recognized that failing to convert chances allowed Crystal Palace to remain competitive, especially in the first half when United dominated possession.

As the second half unfolded, the match became more balanced, with both teams having opportunities to secure a win. “It is fair to say the second half was more even, and both teams had chances,” Ten Hag observed. Ultimately, United’s inability to capitalize on their early chances meant they settled for a draw, intensifying the discussions surrounding Rashford’s situation.

Following the match, Ten Hag’s rotation strategy continues to be a topic of debate, but he remains steadfast in believing that such decisions are crucial for the team’s long-term success. For Ten Hag, the priority is effective squad management, despite external commentary.
Erik ten Hag’s strong response to Jamie Redknapp’s remarks regarding Marcus Rashford’s benching highlights the tension between media narratives and managerial decisions. After Redknapp implied that Rashford was left out of the starting lineup against Crystal Palace as a form of punishment, Ten Hag publicly criticized these claims, calling them “not acceptable” and labeling the speculation as irresponsible. He made it clear that Rashford’s omission was solely due to rotation, emphasizing the importance of managing a squad in a busy season.

Ten Hag reiterated that Rashford’s form has been strong, and his benching had no relation to off-field issues or discipline, but was part of a plan to keep the team fresh and allow other players like Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo to showcase their abilities. The manager also defended his previous decision-making, citing the need for squad rotation amidst a demanding schedule.

This is not the first time Ten Hag has defended Rashford against media speculation, as he recently criticized Alan Shearer for similar comments. The ongoing scrutiny of Rashford, particularly after United’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace, underscores the pressure managers face when dealing with key players, especially when their performances and team selections are publicly debated.

United’s failure to capitalize on several first-half opportunities, including hitting the crossbar twice and forcing crucial saves from Dean Henderson, contributed to the result. Ten Hag acknowledged that while the team played well, their lack of clinical finishing cost them the win. He remains firm on his rotation strategy, believing it is essential for the squad’s long-term success, even as outside opinions continue to spark controversy.