Erik ten Hag explains why Marcus Rashford was dropped for Man Utd's clash with Chelsea as Antony starts in England international's place

The England international has been left out of the starting lineup by the Dutchman for their clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, dropping to the bench instead. Ten Hag has now explained the reason for the 26-year-old being dropped for Antony on the wing.

Ten Hag has explained that Rashford was left out as part of plans to keep the English forward fit for the busy period coming up for the Red Devils, with United hoping to beat Tottenham to a place in next season's Champions League.

Speaking to the media, Ten Hag addressed the dropping of the winger: "I decided for Marcus Rashford on the bench for rotation to keep him and the team fresh through a busy period with another big game on Sunday."

The Manchester-born forward will hope to be back in the starting XI when United welcome Premier League title challengers Liverpool to Old Trafford in their next game on Sunday.