Rio Ferdinand accuses Erik ten Hag of confusing Manchester United player

Manchester legend Rio Ferdinand has accused Erik ten Hag of confusing Marcus Rashford after the striker was left on the bench for Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace.

Rashford has struggled for form since scoring 30 goals in all competitions in the 2022-23 season and has been heavily criticised for his performances.

The 26-year-old has lost his place in the England squad and United desperately need him this season to get back into the Champions League after a disappointing eighth-place finish last season.

Ten Hag accused of confusing Rashford

Rashford scored his first goal of the season in United’s recent win over Southampton, his first since March. Last week he scored twice in United’s 7-0 Carabao Cup defeat of Barnsley.

The England international had expected to keep his place against Palace, but he was left on the bench against the Eagles and played the last half hour of the 0-0 draw.

Ferdinand could not understand the decision and accused Ten Hag of confusing Rashford by benching him.

“When you have a guy in form like Marcus Rashford, who is getting into a bit of form and momentum, which is essential for any player and their confidence, I think: is now the right time to rotate?” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.

“We create chances and you get the guy out who’s actually going to score. I look at it and think, wow.

“It was nice to see the manager come out and say it was about rotation and nothing else, because there was some muttering about it.

“But Marcus Rashford, man, I think he’ll be sitting there and thinking, ‘I just got a bit of shape and they took me out.’ That confuses me, it’s confusing.

More stories / Latest news

“But again (Alejandro) Garnacho is one of the most productive players and has caused chaos. And Amad Diallo is playing well. So it’s a difficult one.”

Rashford hopes to be back in the squad for Wednesday’s Europa League match against Twente and Sunday’s crucial match against Tottenham at Old Trafford.