Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov agreed with Erik ten Hag’s decision to bench Marcus Rashford against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
The forward is a doubt for today’s clash with Bournemouth due to illness, although there has been calls to see Rashford dropped in recent weeks. Most are justifying their reason for that with his current form which hasn’t been reminiscent of last season when he netted 30 goals.
Berbatov is one of those that says Ten Hag was right to drop Rashford during the week as United beat Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford. The Bulgarian saw the players run more, showing hunger and press to get the ball as a result.
Speaking to Betfair, Berbatov said (as quoted by the Manchester Evening News): “Ten Hag made the decision to drop Rashford and [Anthony] Martial [vs Chelsea].
“The scoreline would tell you that it did pay off. The fact that the team were running, showing hunger and pressing to get the ball tells you that it paid off too. In general, dropping Marcus Rashford was the right decision by Ten Hag.
“We know Ten Hag loves his discipline. Of course, he’ll give you a chance to prove yourself but at one point he will bench you, as we saw with Marcus.”
This is a pretty damning assessment for Rashford, but it’s hardly one any of us can disagree with, so it’s a matter of him returning and pulling his socks up.
Alejandro Garnacho is expected to start on the left against Bournemouth following his assist for Scott McTominay during the week.
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