Erik ten Hag’s future has come into question again at Man United after what he did to Marcus Rashford in recent weeks, according to the club’s former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who worked at United for over a decade during their most successful period and also worked as Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two, exclusively told Football Insider that his treatment of Rashford has led to growing concerns.
During United’s 3-3 draw with Porto in the Champions League, Rashford scored the game’s opening goal and looked a threat throughout, before bizarrely being taken off at half-time.
Advertisement
To order your copy, send a WhatsApp message to +1 317 665 2180
Ten Hag later confirmed that his withdrawal was for squad rotation as Alejandro Garnacho also needed game time – a decision Brown admits he cannot understand.
Earlier this season, the 26-year-old scored a brace during a 7-0 win against Barnsley, but was then dropped to the bench in a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
The treatment of players behind the scenes, and of Rashford in particular, has raised further worries at United as the pressure on the boss’ position continues to develop.
Now, the former United scout, who remains very well-connected at the club, has explained that the issues with Rashford have only ramped up pressure from inside the club.
“I don’t understand the issue with Marcus Rashford,” he told Football Insider.
“In the week [against Porto], he played like the Rashford we know, running at defenders, causing all sorts of trouble and scoring a goal.
“Then he gets taken off at half-time and you assume he’s picked up an injury, but when Ten Hag was asked about it he said it was rotation.
“It’s bizarre. Very, very difficult to fathom the thinking behind that. It’s not the first time it’s happened either.
“I’ve heard there are a few frustrations in the dressing room because of these decisions and the way he’s treating the players.
“The main issue with Ten Hag, for me, is trying to understand these decisions he makes.
“All that sort of thing [taking Rashford off at half-time] does is it just ramps up the pressure.“
