Rashford’s missed opportunity: Ten Hag reveals reason for denying United striker chance to make history
Erik ten Hag expressed regret for denying Marcus Rashford the opportunity to set a record by substituting the in-form forward during Manchester United’s 3-1 victory over Reading.
No Manchester United player has scored in 10 consecutive appearances at Old Trafford, and Rashford had scored in each of his previous nine games, tying him with Busby Babe Dennis Viollet.
His first-half goal against Paul Ince’s team was disallowed, and he was substituted midway through the second half.
United will play nine more games before March 5 and are the only English club still in four competitions, according to Ten Hag, who cited the club’s packed schedule.
He said: “Yes, it’s a pity for him and for him we had to take him off because there are so many games that are coming up and we need to keep him fresh but he deserved that goal. It would have been a record.
“And we know that but in the long term we need him. The disallowed goal is a frustration and I don’t think it was a disallowed goal.”
Ten Hag stated that his squad is large enough to compete on all four fronts and that he would not complain about their heavy workload, viewing it as an opportunity for players to develop a sense of teamwork.
He added: “I don’t complain, we know what the fixture schedule is. We have to deal with it. We have squads and squads are big enough to deal with it and players like to play. When you play often the same you are getting the routines in.”
United have won their last 11 games at Old Trafford and Ten Hag added: “This is a fortress but as always the next opponent will be more motivated and we have to be aware of that and it gives us confidence, clearly, but you have to make sure that you are In the right focus and get the right energy for the next game.”
Rashford’s missed opportunity: Ten Hag reveals reason for denying United striker chance to make history
