
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has criticized Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp for suggesting that Marcus Rashford was benched as a form of punishment. This occurred after Rashford, who had scored three goals in two games, was left out of the starting lineup during United’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace.
Rashford’s absence sparked controversy, especially given his recent strong performances. Ten Hag, however, made it clear that his decision was based on squad rotation due to the team’s busy schedule and had nothing to do with disciplinary reasons.
Before the match, Ten Hag explained that with numerous fixtures ahead, it was necessary to rotate players and give others like Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo a chance to shine.
Despite this, Redknapp speculated that Rashford’s exclusion was the result of off-field issues, implying some form of punishment. During Sky Sports’ coverage, Redknapp remarked, “It seems like something has gone wrong,” which prompted Ten Hag’s strong response after the game.
In his post-match comments, Ten Hag expressed frustration with Redknapp’s conjecture, labeling it “absurd” and criticizing the pundit for making assumptions without knowing the facts. He reiterated that Rashford’s absence was solely for tactical reasons, emphasizing that managing the squad through rotation is critical in such a demanding season.
Ten Hag also praised Rashford’s current form, both offensively and defensively, further dispelling any notions that the player had been benched for disciplinary reasons.
Ten Hag used this opportunity to highlight the contributions of other players, particularly praising Diallo’s and Garnacho’s recent performances. He stressed that giving these players opportunities was important for the team’s overall performance.
This incident isn’t the first time Ten Hag has had an issue with football commentators. Just weeks earlier, he had called out Alan Shearer for a harsh critique of Rashford. The ongoing tension between Ten Hag and football pundits illustrates the scrutiny managers face, particularly with decisions involving key players like Rashford.
In the match itself, United dominated the first half, hitting the crossbar twice and forcing Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson into making several key saves. Despite this, United couldn’t capitalize on their chances, leaving the game evenly contested in the second half and ultimately ending in a draw.
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