Ten Hag made the decision to bench Rashford against Crystal Palace, and started the game with Amad Diallo, Joshua Zirkzee, and Alejandro Garnacho in his front three. When the team news was announced, Jamie Redknapp, working for Sky, speculated that there may have been a clash between the pair.

Ten Hag took the time to hit back at Redknapp's assertion, insisting that he made the change for tactical reasons. United played in midweek - Rashford scored a brace in a 7-0 win over Barnsley - and will next be in action on Wednesday against Twente in the Europa League. The Englishman was introduced as a second-half substitute at Selhurst Park but was unable to inspire a winner.

Ten Hag told reporters: "I heard already speculation from pundits. It's crazy, as a person you are not OK when you bring such speculation when you don't know. It was just rotation. I am very happy with Marcus in everything he is doing."

After the clash with Twente, United play Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday. Rashford will hope to get plenty more minutes under his belt.