“It was not difficult” - Manchester United boss Ten Hag on benching in-form Marcus Rashford for Crystal Palace clash

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained that in-form attacker Marcus Rashford has been benched for the Crystal Palace clash due to squad rotation. The 26-year-old has found form in recent games.

After scoring his first goal of the season in the 3-0 Premier League win at Southampton last weekend, Rashford bagged a brace and an assist in the 7-0 home win over Barnsley in their EFL Cup opener at home in midweek.

However, the Englishman doesn't find himself in the starting XI as the Red Devils travel to Palace on Saturday (September 21). Ten Hag, though, has explained that the idea is to keep players fresh by rotating the squad. He said (as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano):

“It was not difficult because we need to rotate. Alejandro Garnacho also needs starts to get better and get more power. Therefore, we rotate”.

He added (as per Sky Sports via BBC):

"We have seen he has a lot of end product. He has scored so many goals and assists. He has only started one time this season."

The Red Devils have won their last two games across competitions - scoring 10 times without reply - as they seek to move up the Premier League standings. They are tenth after four games, six behind leaders Manchester City.

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Manchester United boss previews Crystal Palace clash

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag

Manchester United boss foresees a tough clash at Palace as his side seek to extend their two-game unbeaten streak across compettions and win consecutive league games for the first time this season.

Admitting that Palace have a stout attack, the Dutchman told Sky Sports (as per BBC) that his side would need to be wary of the opposition's transitions and threat from wide.

"Not only the front three players. First of all they are very aggressive and they have a very good transition both ways - they make a lot of tactical fouls. In attack, they are a threat not just in the front three, but in their wing-backs."

About players returning from injury, he added:

"They are not up to full speed, they need games to get into the match rhythm. They are not ready for 90 minutes, but it's a pleasure to have them in the squad, and it will be beneficial.

"If we integrate everyone like Manuel Ugarte, he needs some time. Hojlund didn't have pre-season, Mount back - it is a good sign. We need this as we have got to cover so many games."

Manchester United lost 4-0 on their last league meeting with Palace in May this year but are expected to fare better with a fitter squad.