Erik ten Hag has sparked a battle royale at Manchester United, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho vying for the coveted left wing spot.
After a goalless draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League, Ten Hag shook things up for the FC Twente clash on Wednesday, benching Matthijs de Ligt, Kobbie Mainoo, and Garnacho for Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte, and Rashford.
The decision to keep Rashford as a sub against Palace raised eyebrows, but Ten Hag explained in his post-match presser that it was all about giving the squad a spin.
READ MORE: Twente’s captain is Premier League flop who was once dubbed ‘worst signing ever’
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Ahead of the Dutch dust-up with FC Twente, TNT Sports got the lowdown from Ten Hag, who confirmed Rashford is duking it out with Garnacho for the left-wing slot, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“We have to think about Alejandro Garnacho, who is best from the left as well and has so much end product,” he admitted. “I think when you list all the games so far, it’s Garnacho who has the most goals and assists for us so far, so that’s also a consideration every time we have to make.
(Image: Getty Images)
“There are two routes [to qualify for the Champions League]. Of course, we want to finish in the top four of the Premier League, but also, the Europa League is an opportunity to get into the Champions League next season, apart from winning a trophy,
“We have to rotate the players but also look at the opponent. There are so many aspects you are considering when you look at a line-up and pick a team. Tactics and load of the players.”