Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag explains shock Marcus Rashford half-time substitution in 3-3 draw with Porto Trending Global News

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

Rashford had United’s best performance in the first half, scoring his side’s opener and then beating Rasmus Hjolund as Ten Hague’s side came out of trouble and took a 2–0 lead.

But I am saying sky sports news Former Wales striker Robert Earnshaw said of Rashford’s first-half performance: “Marcus Rashford has been excellent.

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

However, United were pushed back before the break as Porto pulled a goal back through Pepe and Samu Omorodiyan equalized before half-time.

Rashford did not reappear in the second half and was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho, leading to speculation that he might have suffered an injury. However, after the game Ten Hag revealed that the substitution was part of the plan as he looked ahead to the Super Sunday clash with Aston Villa, live on sky sports,

“We have to turn around,” Ten Haag said.

“Garnacho, we didn’t start him, but he played great, not only on Sunday but the whole season.

“We turn quickly to Villa and they’ve got a day to recover and we’ve got an away game.”

“Yes, but (replacement Alejandro) Garnacho was my best player ever on Sunday and in many other games as well,” Ten Hag said in the post-match press conference.

“I think as I have assessed it so far in the season, he is creating an offensive threat for us by creating chances, assisting and scoring.

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

Asked whether the decision had anything to do with Rashford’s role in Porto’s first goal, ten Hag said: “As I said, I have to look back at it and I think definitely from the left. We didn’t defend well tonight.

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

Ten Hag admits Man United’s defense needs to improve

Eric ten Hag admits Manchester United should have done better than squandered 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 was not good, then we had a very good ending.

“It’s a tough place to go and we’re coming back from 3-2 down then getting the equaliser, so it’s good for the feeling.

“You see again that the team is willing, with strong character, but in midfield, in defence, we have to improve.

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

‘Don’t judge Man Utd just yet’

Porto attacked again soon after the restart of the game through Omorodiyan’s second and United, who were reduced to 10 players with nine minutes remaining, were sent off when captain Bruno Fernandes received a second yellow card for a high boot. After was sent off for the second consecutive game. Heading towards another devastating defeat.

However, Ten Hag’s side tried to salvage a draw when substitute Harry Maguire headed the ball into the goal from a corner during stoppage time.

Despite this point, United, who remain in 21st place in the knockout play-off places after the second draw, have not won in four games and the nature of this performance increases the pressure on Ten Hag ahead of a tough trip to Aston Villa Has given. sunday.

Pressed about his future, the Dutchman defiantly said: “We will get there. Don’t evaluate us in this moment, evaluate us at the end of the season.

“We are in the process, we will improve. We still have two seasons where we will reach the finals, (so) just wait.

“We have to develop and advance this team. We will work, continue and fight.”

“You see the emotion and connection between the staff and the team, the players are together and want to achieve. Our mentality is good, but there are some defenses we have to step up.”

Maguire’s support for Ten Hag

United have conceded three or more goals in a match on 24 occasions in all competitions since Ten Hag took over – more than any Premier League team in that period.

It was the third time he has conceded three goals in a game this season alone.

However, goalscorer Maguire backed Ten Hag to use his experience to guide United out of this difficult period.

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

“When you go through bad times the players come under pressure, but the manager also comes under pressure.

“He [Ten Hag] Very experienced, he’s been in the game a long time and been at this club for a long time, so I’m sure he’s learned how to deal with it.

“It’s part and parcel of playing for this club or managing it, it’s part of your privilege.”

Maguire: We need to defend better

Harry Maguire admitted Manchester United need to be stronger after they allowed Porto to come from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 in the Europa League.

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

“There were too many gaps, too many crosses coming into the box and ultimately they punished us for that.

“We played really well with the ball in the first half, we have to perform better without it.

“It probably starts with belief – when we go 2-0 up and then concede, it’s just the belief amongst the boys that we can go on and win the game.

“It’s something that we need to be aware of and focus on, to really make sure that when we accept that we get together, regroup and together We live because it is an integral part of football and something we have to get better at.”