In a pre-match interview before the game against Crystal Palace, Manchester United‘s coach Erik ten Hag explained why Marcus Rashford and Manuel Ugarte were not included in the starting lineup.
Forward Rashford has started all five matches across all competitions for Man United this season. In the last two matches, the English player was in high form, scoring three goals against Southampton and Barnsley. However, in the starting lineup for the Red Devils’ trip to Selhurst Park for the Premier League match, the 1997-born winger surprisingly sat on the bench in favor of younger teammate Alejandro Garnacho.
Explaining this decision, Ten Hag stated that Man United needed to make adjustments to rotate the squad in the context of competing in multiple tournaments.
“It’s not difficult; we need to rotate the squad. Garnacho also needs to start to improve, so we rotate,” Ten Hag said on MUTV.
Additionally, attention was drawn to the midfield as new signing Ugarte was not in the starting lineup. Instead, the Dutch coach trusted Christian Eriksen to partner with Kobbie Mainoo. The Uruguayan star had started in the 7-0 victory against Barnsley earlier in the week.
“Ugarte needs more time to adapt to the English football environment. He is very useful for Man United; we need to be careful with him,” Ten Hag added.
Starting lineup for Man United vs. Palace: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Eriksen, Fernandes (c); Amad, Garnacho, Zirkzee.