Martial and Rashford were named among the subs on Wednesday (Picture: Getty)
Dmitar Berbatov believes Erik ten Hag made the right decision dropping Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford against Chelsea midweek.
After disappointing performances in the defeat to Newcastle United last weekend, the forward were dropped to the bench for the visit of the Blues on Wednesday night.
Antony and Rasmus Hojlund came into the starting XI in attack alongside Alejandro Garnacho with United securing a 2-1 win with Scott McTominay scoring twice in what was a much-improved performance from the side.
While Rashford and Martial widely criticised for a perceived lack of effort at St James’ Park, ten Hag played down their absence, insisting it was down to squad rotation.
Former United striker Berbatov says it was another huge call from the manager, believing he took the ‘necessary steps’ after a difficult week for the club.
‘Ten Hag made the decision to drop Rashford and Martial. The scoreline would tell you that it did pay off,’ Berbatov told Betfair.
‘The fact that the team were running, showing hunger and pressing to get the ball tells you that it paid off too. In general, dropping Marcus Rashford was the right decision by Ten Hag.
Berbatov backing the manager’s big calls (Picture: Getty)
‘We all know that sometimes, the effort isn’t there with some of the players and this is also true for the team. People have criticised Marcus for the season he’s having – the same goes for Martial. it all comes down to consistency and eventually the manager will take the necessary steps.’
‘We know Ten Hag loves his discipline. Of course, he’ll give you a chance to prove yourself but at one point he will bench you, as we saw with Marcus last night.’
Berbatov’s former United teammate Patrice Evra also praised ten Hag’s handling of the situation midweek, believing Rashford and Martial could now struggle to regain their places in the starting XI.
‘He put the right players on the pitch and United fans won’t understand if that same team doesn’t play the next game,’ Evra told Amazon Prime.
‘I will understand if it’s an injury, but I think it will be tough for Marcus and Martial to come back in the starting XI.
‘Garnacho had an amazing game, Antony had an amazing game and the work ethic, you can have nothing negative to say about those players.
‘So I hope this team will stay [as it is] and it’s going to be tough for Marcus and Martial and they will have to fight to get their places back because the kids played very well today.’
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