"Dropped as deserved", "Hasn't played well for a long time" - Manchester United fans react as star man dropped from XI to face Chelsea

Manchester United fans have praised Erik ten Hag for dropping Marcus Rashford in their crucial clash against Chelsea tonight (December 6).

Rashford has endured a disappointing start to the season, with just two goals and four assists in 18 games across competitions. The England international has cut a frustrated figure throughout the campaign.

That was the case when Manchester United were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle United last time out. He didn't conjure up a single shot against the Magpies at St James' Park.

Manchester United are in desperate need of a positive result and performance. Ten Hag has come under pressure, with his side sitting seventh in the league and already losing 10 games across competitions.

Ten Hag's men face a Chelsea side that are also underperforming, sitting 11th in the league. Mauricio Pochettino's Blues are five points behind tonight's hosts.

Rashford drops to the bench, with Antony coming into United's attack alongside the in-form Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund. They sit in front of Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, and Sofyan Amrabat.

Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot starts in defense, with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw joining him. Andre Onana continues in goal despite question marks over his form since arriving from Inter Milan in the summer.

One fan thinks happy Rashford was deservedly dropped:

"Rashford dropped as deserved. This boy should win and not embarrass me again today."

Another fan was surprised by Ten Hag's call but feels it's justified due to Rashford's struggles:

"No Rashford in the team is a shock, but the right decision, considering he hasnt played well for a long time."

Here's how fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to Ten Hag's decision to drop Rashford:

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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag explains dropping Marcus Rashford against Chelsea

Marcus Rashford starts on the bench for the first time this season.

Ten Hag was asked about his brave decision to drop Rashford as well as Anthony Martial who was equally as poor against Newcastle. The Manchester United boss said ahead of his side's encounter with Chelsea (via centredevils):

"We played bad as a team [against Newcastle]. We can't blame individuals for it. It's part of rotation."

Rashford is usually one of the first names on Ten Hag's teamsheets and was in scintillating form in the 2022-23 campaign. He posted 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 appearances, the best tally of his career thus far.

However, the 25-year-old appears to be struggling with a lack of confidence. He will hope to get back to his best ahead of next year's European Championships with England.

Rashford does have an impressive record against Chelsea, with six goals and three assists in 17 games. The Red Devils academy graduate will have to impact the game from the bench.