Rio Ferdinand can’t believe the line-up Erik ten Hag chose against Chelsea

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has questioned Erik ten Hag’s line-up for Manchester United’s game against Chelsea on Thursday evening.

From the team that drew 1-1 with Brentford, Ten Hag implemented three changes, notably benching Marcus Rashford in favour of Antony. Casemiro was chosen over Scott McTominay in midfield, and Harry Maguire filled in for the sidelined Victor Lindelof.

Ten Hag justified his selections as strategic rotation to maintain squad freshness, particularly with an eye on United’s upcoming Sunday match against Liverpool.

Speaking ahead of kick-off Rio Ferdinand, wasn’t convinced benching Rashford and McTominay was the right call, telling TNT Sports: “There’s been a lot of debate about who should be playing who shouldn’t.

“Marcus Rashford has been a talisman at this football club for a number of years now. I’m hearing behind the scenes that it might be a bit of a knock [for Rashford].

“We have injuries, but at the same time, when I look at it, we’ve got two players who have done well against the big teams, the big six this year.

“The top goal scorers against the big six are both on the bench today. McTominay and Marcus Rashford. Rashford has three, McTominay two.

“I can see why maybe you might have done it, but at the same time, when you think about big games, big moments, against Man City the other day, when you’re looking for a moment from one of the players, Marcus Rashford stepped up.”