According to ERIK ten Hag, he wasn’t injured when he decided to hook Marcus Rashford against Porto at halftime.
After Rashford scored and assisted on one goal in the first half of Manchester United’s exciting 3-3 Europa League match with the Portuguese powerhouses, he was replaced at halftime.
Seven minutes into the match, Rashford gave United the lead. He then set up Rasmus Hojlund to extend United’s lead in the twentyth minute.
Erik ten Hag has explained his decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at half-timeCredit: Reuters
Rashford was hooked after getting a goal and assist in the first half
After giving up twice in the next seven minutes to tie the game at halftime, the Red Devils fell apart seven minutes later.
Even though Rashford was the most impressive player during the first half, Alejandro Garnacho took his spot at halftime.
Robbie Savage, a TNT Sports analyst, was convinced that the 60-time England international had to have been hurt after making the decision.
Ten Hag, however, has disclosed that this is untrue and that Rashford was actually taken off in preparation for Man Utd’s match against Aston Villa this coming weekend.
After the game, he said in an interview with TNT Sports, “We have to rotate. Garnacho had a fantastic game not just on Sunday but, I believe, throughout the season, but we didn’t start him.
“On Sunday we have another hard game [against Aston Villa] so we need players to be available and to be fit and fresh.”
Rashford impressed in the first half
In response to questions about whether Rashford could have played longer, ten Hag affirmed his choice.
Furthermore, “We must play Garnacho. We had a short turnaround before playing Villa.
“We are the away team and they [Villa] have a day more to recover. On Sunday, we want new players to take the pitch.”
United offered very little attacking threat in the second half without Rashford on the pitch and, after conceding a third to Porto, relied on a late goal from Harry Maguire to scrape a draw.
The Red Devils also had to play the last 10 minutes of the clash without Bruno Fernandes after he was sent off for two yellow cards – his second red card in as many matches.
In addition to saving United a point, Maguire’s late header might have saved Ten Hag’s job.
The Dutchman is under mounting pressure at Old Trafford after a dismal start to the season.
Manchester United’s dire form continuesCredit: Reuters
Pressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag
Furthermore, Sunday’s trip to Villa Park will be a major test for the Villans, who are coming off a 1-0 Champions League victory against European powerhouse Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Ten Hag will also be under more strain because it is said that Man Utd manager Sir Jim Ratcliffe would be attending the game in Birmingham from the stands.
Ratcliffe hasn’t exactly seen the best of Ten Hag so far this season, attending only one game prior the Villa clash – United’s 3-0 home drubbing at the hands of rivals Liverpool.
The British millionaire was left shaking his head in disbelief at United’s midfield disaster that day.