Alan Shearer queries Marcus Rashford’s decision in spite of Erik ten Hag’s remark as he hints at Man United disciplinary concerns

According to Alan Shearer, the decision by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to substitute Marcus Rashford against Crystal Palace must indicate that there has been an underlying issue.

Despite having scored three goals in the previous two games, Rashford was omitted from the starting lineup for the scoreless stalemate at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Rashford was ultimately introduced as a substitute on the hour mark as Man United pursued the opening goal, despite Ten Hag’s pre-match declaration that the decision was due to rotation.

The manager of Manchester United refuted the assertion made by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp that the decision not to start Rashford suggested a disciplinary issue, describing the suggestion as “crazy.”

Prior to the match, Redknapp had emphasized Ten Hag’s remarks during a press conference, in which the Dutchman underscored the significance of Rashford’s lifestyle.

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, the hosts of the Rest is Football podcast, also expressed their doubts regarding Ten Hag’s decision.

“It appears that there may be some disciplinary issues, as Ten Hag suggested in his press conference that “Marcus has to be professional,” according to Lineker.”

Shearer replied, “Why would you exclude him?”

‘When performances have been criticized, and I was one of them, but you score a goal last weekend, you score another two in midweek.

“Why would you even consider excluding him?” I suspect that it must be something distinct, although this is merely a conjecture.

Ten Hag had inquired about Rashford’s lifestyle prior to the match, as the star had rediscovered some of the form that had enabled him to score 30 goals in the Dutchman’s inaugural season at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old’s performances had suffered an alarming decline last season following the signing of a new £300,00-a-week contract. Ten Hag censured him for missing training following a 12-hour tequila binge in Belfast and for resorting to nightclubbing after United lost the Manchester Derby in October.

Ten Hag was inquired as to whether Rashford had acquired any knowledge from the experience.

He responded, “I believe he has always been aware of this, as is the case with every player, as a player’s performance is impaired by an unbalanced lifestyle.”

The appropriate levels are not achieved when one does not maintain a disciplined and positive lifestyle outside of Carrington.

‘In the end, he is responsible for handling it independently. He must establish a positive attitude toward his life, his training, and his matches. He is a class performer, and he will perform at his best when he establishes his professionalism.

Marcus Rashford is aware of the strategies for regaining momentum, establishing his career, and improving his performance in the face of adversity. He regained control of it, and I believe he is on his way back. He has made an excellent start to the season; however, he must now carry on and make progress.

Following the stalemate against Crystal Palace, Ten Hag criticized the’speculation’ that ensued in response to Redknapp’s remarks on Sky Sports.

“I have already heard the speculation from a few pundits.” “Post-match,” stated Ten Hag. “That is absurd.” I would almost say that you are not in a state of equilibrium when you introduce such speculation without understanding the situation.

“This is merely a rotation.” We are required to provide all participants with the opportunity to perform, despite the fact that we have a large number of games to cover and more than 11 players. Ultimately, the individuals who demonstrate superior performance will be granted additional opportunities to participate.

‘However, this is unrelated to Rashford. Marcus has impressed me in every aspect, including his defensive and offensive work. He is currently performing exceptionally well, as evidenced by his score. Therefore, it is irrelevant that he is on the bench; it is simply a matter of rotation.