In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has openly criticized manager Erik ten Hag following his exclusion from the starting lineup in the recent match against Crystal Palace. After a training session, the England international expressed his frustration over being left out and voiced his dissatisfaction with the Dutch manager’s decisions.
Rashford, a key player for United, caused quite a stir with his absence from the squad in the Crystal Palace match. This led to widespread speculation among fans and football analysts, with some attributing the decision to ten Hag’s tactical plans, while others suspected deeper issues behind the omission. Rashford later clarified that his exclusion was due to a disagreement over tactics rather than any concerns about his form or performance.
In a direct and blunt statement, Rashford reportedly said, “I’d rather have a toddler as my coach than work with Ten Hag,” implying a deep disconnect between him and the manager. He went on to say, “He doesn’t understand the traditions of United. When I raised my concerns about his tactics, I was suddenly benched for the Crystal Palace game.”
These strong words have highlighted a growing tension within the squad, as Rashford feels that ten Hag lacks an understanding of Manchester United’s core philosophy, something that means a lot to Rashford, who has been with the club since his youth.
Rashford also spoke about his recent performances, crediting former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy for helping him refine his role on the pitch. “He’s been crucial in helping me understand how to maximize my impact during games,” Rashford said, acknowledging the positive influence van Nistelrooy has had on his development.
The 25-year-old forward didn’t stop at his own situation but also criticized ten Hag’s overall management style, suggesting that the Dutchman has mishandled other high-profile players. “Ten Hag? He’s out of his depth, and that’s why he’s clashing with players like Sancho and Ronaldo.
He’s disconnected from what this club is all about,” Rashford remarked, implying that ten Hag’s approach is causing unnecessary conflict within the squad. He further elaborated that under ten Hag’s leadership, United has drifted away from its traditional style of attacking football. “This club has always been about playing with flair and passion, but under him, it feels like he’s trying to erase everything that makes us United.”
Rashford’s comments have sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some fans support the forward, agreeing that ten Hag’s tactics have stifled the team’s natural attacking instincts, while others believe Rashford should have kept his concerns private and respected the manager’s authority. The controversy has amplified concerns about the atmosphere within the United dressing room and raised questions about the relationship between the players and their manager.
Rashford emphasized that his absence from the Crystal Palace match had nothing to do with his form or fitness. Instead, it was a direct result of his disagreement with ten Hag’s tactical decisions. “I was ready to play and wanted to be out there with the team, but because I questioned his tactics, he benched me to teach me a lesson,” Rashford explained.
This incident raises serious concerns about the internal dynamics at Manchester United, with tensions between the players and the manager becoming increasingly apparent. Ten Hag, who was brought in to create stability and establish a clear tactical identity for the team, now faces the challenge of mending relationships within a potentially fractured squad.
With United’s season already off to a rocky start and inconsistent performances in the Premier League, the timing of Rashford’s public criticism adds to the mounting pressure on ten Hag to deliver positive results. The club has not yet issued an official response to Rashford’s remarks, but it is expected that the issue will be handled internally. All eyes are now on ten Hag and how he responds to this public critique from one of the club’s most important players.
Should this conflict continue to escalate, Rashford’s future at Manchester United could be at risk. As a player who embodies the values and tradition of the club’s academy, his rift with the manager reflects deeper problems within the club’s structure. The situation at Old Trafford is now more volatile than ever, with fans, pundits, and players closely watching how the next few weeks unfold. This story is far from over, and the outcome could have lasting implications for both Rashford and United’s season trajectory.
