Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has responded to criticisms regarding his decisions about the squad, insisting that people have to trust his explanations instead of making speculations, Soccernet.football reports.
Ten Hag came under fire for his decision to drop in-form forward Marcus Rashford in United’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
After a slow start to the season, Rashford found the back of the net for the first time this season in United’s 3-0 victory over Southampton. He then followed that up with a brace as the Red Devils thumped Barnsley 7-0 in the Carabao Cup.
In the game against Palace though, Rashford was surprisingly left on the bench, with Amad Diallo preferred on the wing. However, the 26-year-old was introduced in the 61st minute, replacing Joshua Zirkzee up top.
While Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp questioned Ten Hag’s decision, suggesting that ‘something had to have happened’, the Dutchman dismissed any concerns of an issue.
“I didn’t understand the criticism. People are not entitled to bring speculation,” Ten Hag said as per BBC Sports.
“If I give an explanation, they have to trust my words. If they don’t, that’s not right.”
United host Ten Hag’s boyhood club FC Twente at Old Trafford on Wednesday in the Europa League. Similar to the Champions League, the tournament has expanded to 36 teams, adding two more fixtures to the group stage.
Speaking on the potential challenges these additional matches could pose, Ten Hag added; “There are too many games. It’s clear. Too many competitions.
“For the top players, they are overloaded, and this is not good for football. It’s maybe good for commercial but there is a limit.
“It’s almost unavoidable that players get injured because of the overload from so many games.”