The last time Erik ten Hag brought Anthony Martial on at Old Trafford, he did so to a cacophony of boos. The manager had just taken off the lively Rasmus Hojlund against Brighton and the Manchester United fans were livid as they wanted to see more of the exciting Danish striker.
They seemed to think that taking Hojlund off for Martial showed a lack of ambition from the manager and was the opposite way to get back into a game they were trailing in. However, when the Dutchman brought Martial on against Crystal Palace on Saturday and took off Marcus Rashford, there was no outcry from the 70,000 home supporters. And that said it all.
The man who scored 30 times last season in all competitions and was named the club's player of the year looked like being the least likely source of a goal. And this was by no means an exception - Rashford has simply not looked right for the majority of the season. In eight matches in all competitions he has scored just once and provided only two assists.
After resurrecting his career last season, Rashford looks back at the level he was two years ago, when it looked as if he were heading towards the exit door. But no matter how tempting it might be to drop Rashford and unleash Alejandro Garnacho on the left of United's attack, this is the time for United and Ten Hag to stand by their faltering talisman.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=640&quality=60)