Manchester United's form over the last couple of seasons has caused numerous debates among fans since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson but the emergence of homegrown talent Marcus Rashford was a glimmer of hope for United fans. But he has also flattered to deceive and his form has majorly dipped over the last 12 months.
A goal against Southampton last weekend followed by a midweek brace in their rout of Barnsley and some people were inclined to say Rashford was slowly coming back to his best.
That progression may have hit a speedbump this evening as manager Erik Ten Haag decided to drop the 26 year-old attacker for their trip to Selhurst Park.
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Rashford doesn't start away to Crystal Palace
The decision not to start Rashford for today's game against Crystal Palace came as a surprise to many, especially Jamie Redknapp who was working on the pre-match coverage for Sky:
You don't drop a player that scored 2 in midweek, he's scored against Southampton. I'd be nervous to say he's back but he's certainly showing signs of the energy of Marcus Rashford of two years ago
It feels as though something has happened this week. It's unusual for a manager to come out and almost 'out' a player by talking about their lifestyle
You can't put diesel in a Ferrari engine, if you want to live right and you want to play right, you've got to be at it at all times especially at a club under the scrutiny of Manchester United.
🗣️ "There's obviously something that's happened"
Jamie Redknapp shares his thoughts on Erik ten Hag dropping Marcus Rashford from the Man United starting XI 💭 pic.twitter.com/N1wD1nXdhL— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 21, 2024
This opinion flies in the face of what Ten Hag told media before the game, when he said Rashford had been dropped for Alejandro Garnacho because he wants to rotate his squad.
“Alejandro Garnacho also needs starts to get better and get more power. Therefore, we rotate,” he said.
Rashford's lifestyle off the pitch has been questioned at times last season - such as when Rashford was photographed on a night out in Belfast. Interestingly, Erik Ten Hag spoke about Rashford off the field behaviour and seemed to suggest the United player had turned a corner.
United take on FC Twente on Wednesday in their opening match of this seasons Europa League.
I think he always knew. Every player knows, when your lifestyle is not right you can't perform in the league we have to perform in. "You don't get the right levels if you don't have a good and disciplined life away from Carrington.
He has to set his life right, his training attitude right, he has to set his match attitude right. When he sets his professionalism he will perform because he's a class player.
Speaking regarding the professionalism of his players is another edgy subject but the Dutch manager doesn't seem to have a problem discussing.
