Explained: Why struggling Marcus Rashford is benched again for Man Utd clash with Bournemouth - days after being dropped for Chelsea victory

Rashford was dropped for United's previous game, a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the week, with his inconsistent form meaning he is no longer a guaranteed starter for Erik Ten Hag's side. United host in-form Bournemouth on Saturday and he is once again be absent from the starting XI.

United, who already have a raft of injuries and absences across the squad, explained that Rashford would be a doubt for the squad to face Bournemouth due to illness, but he is deemed healthy enough for the bench. The 26-year-old missed training on Friday.

Rashford, despite his 17 goals in the league last season, has scored just two this time around. The first and only from open play came in the 3-1 defeat by Arsenal. The struggling forward was handed the chance to score from the spot against Everton, which he dispatched to double his tally for the season.

Rashford will be desperate to get back to full health as soon as possible as he finds his starting place suddenly under threat. The Chelsea game was the first Premier League match he hasn't started in 2023-24. Ten Hag's side have struggled for goals this season and will hope they will cope with their limited options up top.