Wayne Rooney believes Marcus Rashford will have a point to prove in the FA Cup final (Picture: BBC Sport)
Wayne Rooney has questioned the decision to leave Rasmus Hojlund out of Manchester United’s FA Cup final starting XI against Manchester City.
Erik ten Hag will take charge of the Red Devils for the last time, according to reports, amid speculation that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already decided to sack the 54-year-old.
The Dutchman will be hoping to sign off with a trophy and in an attempt to do so he named arguably the strongest XI available to him.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez started at the heart of United’s defence for the first time since February, while Marcus Rashfrod was back in the starting XI just four days after he shock omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Rasmus Hojlund, however, was named among the substitutes despite getting back on the scoresheet in last weekend’s 2-0 win at Brighton.
‘I think Marcus has got a point to prove, he always seems to do well against Man City his record is very good,’ said Rooney of Rashford’s inclusion.
‘I’m delighted to see him come back into the team. I would have liked to see Hojlund in there I think just to occupy the Manchester City centre backs.’
Rasmus Hojlund started on the bench for Man Utd against Man City (Picture: Getty)
Marcus Rashford was back in the Man Utd starting XI for the FA Cup final (Picture: Getty)
Explaining his decision to start skipper Bruno Fernandes in a false nine position instead of Hojlund in a conventional striking role, Ten Hag said:
“We have to be on the front foot and be aggressive. It’s about mentality. If we have a strong belief and are brave then you have the opportunity.
‘Casemiro is not 100% and in that space around Phil Foden we need a strong defence.’
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On his own future, meanwhile, Ten Hag added: ‘Two years after each other we’re in the final but this year we want to win.
‘The mood is very good, strong spirit, strong belief, a tough opponent and we have to give everything we have, sacrifice, suffer but be brave and let them suffer as well.
‘I don’t talk about my future. It’s not about me, it’s about the team and winning the cup.’