Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has voiced his disapproval of Sky Sports commentator Jamie Redknapp’s remarks, which he deemed “unacceptable.” The comments in question involved Redknapp’s speculation that Marcus Rashford was left out of the starting lineup as a form of punishment.
The controversy arose after Rashford was benched during United’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace, despite having been in excellent form, scoring three goals in his previous two games. Rashford had started the first six matches of the season, and his omission sparked widespread debate.
Before the game, Ten Hag clarified that Rashford’s benching was purely part of a planned rotation due to the heavy fixture schedule. He emphasized the importance of giving other players like Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo opportunities to play, as both had performed well in recent matches. Ten Hag dismissed Redknapp’s suggestion that Rashford’s exclusion was linked to off-field issues or discipline problems, expressing frustration over such baseless speculation.
Redknapp had commented before the match, suggesting that “something had gone wrong,” implying that Rashford was being punished. After the game, Ten Hag responded sharply, labeling the conjecture as “absurd” and criticizing commentators for making assumptions without knowing the facts. He reiterated that Rashford’s benching was purely tactical and based on squad rotation to manage the team’s schedule effectively.
Ten Hag stressed that Rashford was performing well, both defensively and offensively, and that the decision to rest him was not a reflection of any dissatisfaction. He praised the forward for his recent form and highlighted the necessity of rotating the squad to keep players fresh throughout the season. Ten Hag also commended the performances of Diallo and Garnacho, emphasizing the need to give playing time to all in-form players.
This is not the first time Ten Hag has clashed with commentators over assessments of Rashford. Previously, he had criticized Alan Shearer for his comments on the striker. The ongoing tension underscores the pressure on managers regarding high-profile players like Rashford, whose performances and handling are constantly under scrutiny.
Reflecting on the goalless draw, Ten Hag admitted that United created enough chances to win but were not clinical in front of goal. Despite dominating the first half, they were unable to convert their opportunities, leading to a more evenly contested second half.
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