“Why would you do this” – Rio Ferdinand shocked after what Erik ten Hag did this against Chelsea
Rio Ferdinand, a veteran of Manchester United, has questioned Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup for United’s Thursday night matchup against Chelsea.
Ten Hag made three changes to the squad that drew 1-1 with Brentford, most notably benching Marcus Rashford in favor of Antony. In the midfield, Casemiro was selected ahead of Scott McTominay, and Harry Maguire replaced the injured Victor Lindelof.
Ten Hag defended his choices by citing a deliberate rotation strategy to keep the players fresh—especially with Sunday’s encounter against Liverpool on the horizon for United.
Speaking ahead of kick-off Rio Ferdinand, wasn’t convinced benching Rashford and McTominay was the right call, telling TNT Sports: “There’s been a lot of debate about who should be playing who shouldn’t.
“Marcus Rashford has been a talisman at this football club for a number of years now. I’m hearing behind the scenes that it might be a bit of a knock [for Rashford].
“We have injuries, but at the same time, when I look at it, we’ve got two players who have done well against the big teams, the big six this year.
“The top goal scorers against the big six are both on the bench today. McTominay and Marcus Rashford. Rashford has three, McTominay two.
“I can see why maybe you might have done it, but at the same time, when you think about big games, big moments, against Man City the other day, when you’re looking for a moment from one of the players, Marcus Rashford stepped up.”