Erik ten Hag has said he ‘didn’t understand’ the criticism of his decision to drop Marcus Rashford for Manchester United’s goalless draw at Crystal Palace.
Ten Hag’s team struggled to break down Crystal Palace during a stalemate at Selhurst Park at the weekend, as the Red Devils drew a blank in front of goal in South London.
Ahead of the game, Ten Hag sprang a surprise by naming the in-form Rashford on the bench, despite the forward scoring three goals in his previous two appearances.
Speculation circled around the reason for his omission and Ten Hag has hit out at those reports, urging the media and fans to ‘trust’ his words on team selection.
“I didn’t understand the criticism. People are entitled if they want to, but they are not entitled to speculate,” Ten Hag said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the club’s Europa League opener with FC Twente.
“If I give an explanation they have to trust my words.”
Ten Hag says top players ‘overloaded’ with games
Ten Hag also weighed in on the debate over the football calendar, with some players suggesting strike action is possible over the demands on professionals. Ahead of the club’s venture into an expanded Europa League this season, Ten Hag said top players are ‘overloaded’ with games.
“We discussed it so many times there are too many games – the top players are overloaded,” he said.
“It is not good for football. Maybe it is good for commercial. There is a limit and players are getting injuries. It is almost unavoidable because of the overload of so many games.
“As a club alone you cannot change this. It is more about the total industry, clubs, players and coaches.
“At the end of the day it is financial. We are professionals and revenues have to come, but we have to balance this out.”
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