Man Utd coach Erik ten Hag explains the shock of Marcus Rashford's half-time substitution in 3-3 draw with Porto

Erik ten Hag revealed rotation was the reason for Marcus Rashford's surprise half-time substitution in Man Utd's 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.

Rashford was United's best player in the first half, scoring his side's opening goal before dropping Rasmus Hojlund as Ten Hag's side flew out of the traps to take a 2-0 lead.

I'll keep talking Sky sports news Speaking about Rashford's first-half performance, former Wales striker Robert Earnshaw said: “Marcus Rashford was excellent.”

“Every time he gets the ball on the left he terrifies Porto. He seems to be the most dangerous player on the pitch for Man Utd.”

However, United fell behind before half-time as Porto equalized through Pepe and Samu Omorodion equalized before half-time.

Rashford did not feature in the second half and was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho, with speculation growing that he must have picked up an injury. However, after the game, Ten Hag explained that the substitution was part of the plan as he looked ahead live to the Super Sunday clash with Aston Villa Sky Sports.

“We have to rotate,” Ten Hag said.

“Garnacho, we didn’t put him in the starting line-up, but he had a great game not only on Sunday but throughout the season.”

“We are moving quickly with a turnaround against Villa and they have had an extra day to recover and we have an away game.”

In his post-match press conference, Ten Hag added: “Yes, but (replacement Alejandro) Garnacho was by far my best player on Sunday and in many other games too,” he said.

“I think in the season as I see it so far, he’s getting us on the offensive so far by creating chances, providing assists and also scoring goals.”

“Garnacho, we have to play too and we have two very good players on this side.”

Asked if the decision had anything to do with Rashford's role in Porto's first goal, Ten Hag said: “As I said, I have to keep in mind and I think we definitely didn't defend well on the left tonight.”

“Marcus also played a role in it, but as I said, it had to do with Garnacho and nothing against Rashy.”

Man United defense needs to improve, admits Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag agrees Manchester United must do better than squander a 2-0 lead.

“We started the game very well, scored two good goals, but then we lost control. The beginning was good, the middle part wasn't good, then we finished very well.

“It's a difficult situation and we come back from 3-2 and then get the equalizer, that's good for the spirit.

“You can see again that the team is willing and has strong character, but we have to improve the middle section and the defense.”

“We have to be better on the ball and defend better.”

“Don’t judge Man Utd now”

Shortly after the restart, Porto struck again when Omorodion scored the second goal of the game and United, reduced to ten men with nine minutes to go, when captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second time in a row after being sent off for a high Having received a second yellow card, Schuhs looked headed for another devastating defeat.

However, Ten Hag's side saved the tie when substitute Harry Maguire headed home from a corner in stoppage time.

Despite the point, United, who remain in 21st place in the knockout play-offs after a second draw, are without a win in four games and the nature of that performance only increases the pressure on Ten Hag ahead of the tough game against Aston Villa Sunday.

Under pressure over his future, the Dutchman remained defiant, saying: “We will do it. Don’t judge us at this moment, judge us at the end of the season.”

“We are in the process, we will improve. We now have two seasons of reaching the finals, (so) just wait.”

“We need to develop and develop this team. We’re going to work and we’re going to keep going and we’re going to fight.”

“You see the spirit and the connection between the team and the team, the players are together and want to achieve something. We have this good mentality, but we need to strengthen some areas of defense.”

Maguire's support for Ten Hag

Since Ten Hag took over, United have conceded three or more goals in a game 24 times across all competitions – more than any other Premier League team in that period.

This was the third time they conceded three goals in a game this season alone.

However, goalscorer Maguire supported Ten Hag and used his experience to guide United through this difficult period.

“I played for this club for six years and I know how it works,” said Maguire.

“When you go through a bad phase, the players come under pressure, but also the coach.

“He (Ten Hag) is experienced enough, he’s been in the game long enough and at this club long enough, so I’m sure he’s learned to deal with it.”

“It’s an essential part of playing for or managing this club, part of the privilege you have.”

Maguire: We have to defend better

Harry Maguire accepts Manchester United need to be more solid after Porto fought back from 2-0 down to a 3-3 draw in the Europa League.

The defender said: “When you go 2-0 up away from home at a place like this, you have to be a bit more solid and confident.

“There were way too many gaps, too many crosses coming into the box and they ended up punishing us for it.

“We played really well with the ball in the first half, we just have to do more without it.

“It probably starts with belief – if we go 2-0 up and then concede a goal, it's just the belief that exists between the boys that we can go on and win the game.”

“We need to be aware of that and focus on that to really make sure we come together, regroup and stick together when we concede a goal because that is an essential part of football and something we need to do better.”

On October 3, 2024 By John Fenwick

Latest Post