Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag addressed the competition between Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho for the left-wing position, explaining that rotation was the reason Rashford was benched against Crystal Palace. Pundits had questioned the decision, but Ten Hag clarified the situation in his post-match comments. Ahead of United’s Europa League match against FC Twente, Ten Hag reiterated that Rashford and Garnacho are competing for the starting spot on the left wing.
Erik ten Hag said “We have to think about Alejandro Garnacho, who is best from the left as well and has so much end product. There are two routes [to qualify for the Champions League]. Of course, we want to finish in the top four of the Premier League, but also, the Europa League is an opportunity to get into the Champions League next season, apart from winning a trophy.”
Regarding squad rotation and tactical decisions, Ten Hag added:
Erik ten Hag said “We have to rotate the players but also look at the opponent. Tactics and load of the players. We’re going forward, stepping up, we were very dominant on the ball [against Crystal Palace], and we hope to achieve the same today. Then being better out of possession.”
On the return of Rasmus Højlund and Mason Mount, Ten Hag noted:
Erik ten Hag said “They [Hojlund and Mount] are not 100 per cent fit, match fit, so we’re happy Rasmus and Mason are back, which will help, and then we can rotate and do something in games.”
