ERIK TEN HAG needed no Dutch courage to bench in-form Marcus Rashford in favour of Alejandro Garnacho yesterday.
Indeed, he claimed leaving him out was “not difficult” despite the Manchester United striker netting three times in the visitors’ two victories prior to this trip to Crystal Palace.
Yet it still seemed a mighty brave call from Ten Hag, if not utterly bonkers.
Certainly by the conclusion of this stalemate against the Eagles it raised further questions about the former Ajax coach’s man-management and tactical acumen.
Confidence is everything in football, right?
So why pull the rug from under resurgent Rashford’s feet just as he is finding them again in front of goal?
Maybe it was a test for the 26-year-old hitman – designed to see if he would react in positive fashion or sulk on the bench in South London.
After all, the relationship between the pair has not been smooth in the last 12 months. Twice last season Rashford crossed the line of acceptable behaviour.
This story is from the September 22, 2024 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 22, 2024 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Lando's full of team spirit with Lewis at low ebb
LANDO NORRIS showed it was payback time in Qatar, while Lewis Hamilton cannot wait for a wretched campaign to end.
UNAI BELIEVED HE COULD BANK ON BARKLEY
ROSS BARKLEY'S charge back to the top of English football is gathering momentum.
Global trade Set to put up the barriers
RISING global trade barriers threaten to drag on worldwide economic growth and unsettle the stability of the UK's financial system, the Bank of England has warned.
Bishop who made Welby resign warns of more Church scandals
THE CLERGYWOMAN who forced Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to resign over a notorious child abuse case has warned \"a lot more\" Church of England scandals will come to light.
Rabies alert puts puppy smugglers in spotlight
FAMILIES hoping to buy a pet for Christmas have been warned against buying a smuggled puppy which could carry rabies.
Own goal! Fears new watchdog could trigger Europe ban
CALLS have been made for Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to guarantee a planned new football regulator will not lead to English teams being banned from international competitions.
How Al Fayed 'hid his abuse’
A FORMER Harrods director described how Mohamed AI Fayed would manipulate managers to conceal his alleged sexual abuse of dozens of women and girls.
Is Russia losing its srip on Georgia?
RUSSIA is losing influence in Georgia and the South Caucasus to its allies China and Iran, a report claims.
Disabled Peanut and Peps give Claire a pet project
A WOMAN who adopted a blind dog and a lame cat has written two children's books about her beloved pets to teach youngsters about disability.
‘One-term wonders’ given cold shoulder by Westminster
MORE than 80 MPs turfed out of Parliament in the general election face another indignity after being denied House of Commons passes.
