Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has openly criticized Erik ten Hag’s decision to leave Marcus Rashford out of the lineup in their recent match against Crystal Palace. Scholes, known for his insightful analysis, described the choice as “strange” given Rashford’s recent improvements in form. The decision left many fans and pundits puzzled, as they expected Rashford to be a key figure in the clash.
“It was a really strange decision to leave Marcus Rashford out of the Palace game,” Scholes remarked, reflecting the sentiments of those who were surprised by the lineup.
Rashford’s Confidence in Jeopardy
Scholes expressed concern over the impact this decision could have on Rashford’s confidence. After showing signs of a return to form, Scholes noted that dropping the forward could undo his progress, possibly affecting his morale moving forward.
“I thought he had turned a corner!” Scholes emphasized. “Just when you think he’s back and firing again, his confidence looks low again, and you’re back to square one.”
This back-and-forth with Rashford’s form has been a recurring issue, and Scholes fears that inconsistent game time might hinder his ability to fully regain his top level.
A Missed Opportunity for United
The decision to leave Rashford out came as a disappointment not only for the player but also for United, who struggled to create chances in their loss to Palace. Scholes hinted that Rashford’s inclusion might have changed the course of the game, especially considering his pace and attacking threat.
Paul Scholes’ criticism of Erik ten Hag’s decision reflects the growing concerns around Marcus Rashford’s fluctuating form. Scholes believes that Rashford, who had shown signs of returning to his best, needs regular game time to rebuild his confidence. As Manchester United look to bounce back, Ten Hag’s handling of Rashford could be crucial to the team’s overall success.