Manchester United drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Saturday in another frustrating evening for Erik ten Hag.
The Manchester United manager had to watch as his team missed five big chances in the game as the three points slipped through the Red Devils’ grasp.
The first half alone should have seen United head in a couple of goals ahead, although former Carrington academy graduate Dean Henderson was on top form.
Before the game though, there was a surprise when Marcus Rashford was excluded from the starting line-up as Alejandro Garnacho was on the left side instead.
Jamie Redknapp questioned this decision making false accusations over a falling out between Erik ten Hag and Rashford – something the manager hit back against.
Patrick Viera labelled the decision as correct, and now Rio Ferdinand has been sharing his view on the decision to drop Rashford.
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Rio Ferdinand has say on Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford debate
Before the Crystal Palace game at Selhurst Park, choosing two wingers out of Amad Diallo, Garnacho and Rashford was impossible.
All three were in brilliant form, with Garnacho and Rashford in particular having three goals each in their past two games.
It was Rashford who missed out, and now Ferdinand has labelled the decision as confusing.
“Marcus Rashford, man, I think him as a player, I think he will be sitting there going, well, I have just hit a bit of form and they took me out. Wow! Confuses me. Confusing.”
Following this, Ferdinand admitted that it’s tough as Garnacho is also deserving – understanding the decision.
“But then you are sitting there and you are going, one of the most productive players or persons who causes havoc when he comes on the pitch is Garnacho.”
Ferdinand is spot on, as choosing between the pair is incredibly difficult – Garnacho is lethal as a super sub which leads to him earning a start.
Ultimately, rotating the pair is the smart decision by Ten Hag to avoid falling into a trap.
Why Erik ten Hag doesn’t need to choose between Rashford and Garnacho
For years, United have been lacking the depth to rotate in key positions, yet the moment there is depth it becomes seemingly a problem rather than a strength.
Last season, the injury crisis at Old Trafford was unprecedented in how bad it really was.
This saw Ten Hag forced into overusing his breakthrough young talents like Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
So having the luxury of alternating between an inform Rashford and the 20-year-old Argentine is a real luxury and should be viewed in such a manner.
Against Twente this week, we fully expect Rashford to start – and probably cause the Dutch side absolute nightmares.
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