Why Marcus Rashford doesn't start for Manchester United vs Chelsea

Marcus Rashford has not been named in Manchester United's starting line-up to face Chelsea due to rotation purposes, Erik ten Hag has revealed.

The forward has been in subdued form this season, with just eight goals all term. The attacker scored in successive games against Manchester City and Everton before the international break but put in a ghost-like display in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Brentford.

Rashford played just 15 minutes across both of England's friendlies during the international break and came off before full-time against Brentford. But the United manager insists Sunday's clash with Liverpool has played a part in his decision.

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Asked by MUTV why Rashford was on the bench, he said: "For rotation to keep him and the team fresh through a busy period with another big game on Sunday."

Adding further information to TNT Sports, he added: "We have two big games in three days, we need everyone. We need the bench and lately we have had a strong bench.

"Recently players from the bench have impacted. Mason Mount. It is a huge impact and it is a good impact to have Rashford on the bench."

Antony replaces Rashford while Raphael Varane gets the nod despite coming off in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Brentford. Harry Maguire also starts the match with Aaron Wan-Bissaka at left-back and Diogo Dalot on the right.

Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo start behind Bruno Fernandes in midfield while Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund complete the front three alongside Antony. Mount - scorer against Brentford - still waits for his first league start since November.