Erik ten Hag Explains Curious Halftime Marcus Rashford Substitution vs. Porto

The Manchester United manager cited squad rotation as to why goalscorer Marcus Rashford was brought off at halftime against FC Porto in the Europa League.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag explained why Rashford was substituted vs. Porto. / IMAGO/PA Images

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag explained the decision to bring off Marcus Rashford at halftime in the 3–3 draw with FC Porto in the Europa League.

Rashford was arguably United's best player on the pitch in the first half, opening the scoring after seven minutes, followed by an assist to Rasmus Højlund. Regardless of looking too far ahead before even securing a result, it calls into question Ten Hag's man management.

Level 2–2 at halftime, it looked like another tough night for a Manchester United team that needed a win. Out of the tunnel, Alejandro Garnacho was on for Rashford. There were worries he might've been injured but following Ten Hag's post-game comments, the actual reason might be more concerning.

"Are you kidding me?" 🤯
"What else does he have to do?" 🤦‍♂️
"Do you know how angry he's going to be?" 😡@CharlieDavies9, Nigel Reo-Coker & @Nicocantor1 react to Erik Ten Hag subbing off Marcus Rashford at halftime in the name of squad rotation 👇 pic.twitter.com/Mq1Y23ScE2

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 3, 2024

Ten Hag cited the need for rotation with Aston Villa coming up Sunday in the Premier League plus the need to give Garnacho minutes.

Rashford broke a 189-day league goal drought on Sept. 14, but hadn't scored since. CBS analyst Charlie Davies highlighted how a decision like the one Ten Hag made tonight could frustrate a player who began to find some form. Especially when taking into consideration it was nearly three points lost if not for Harry Maguire's stoppage-time equalizer.

It's two UEL points in two games against sides United should be beating in Europe if it wants to not only go far in the competition, but also prove to fans that it is on the right path. Porto is a tougher opponent on paper, but the game management and defensive setup were questionable again. Coughing up a two-goal lead, one week after conceding an equalizer to FC Twente and just five days after getting dismantled by Tottenham Hotspur does not inspire confidence for Ten Hag's job status.

And to make matters worse, Bruno Fernandes will miss the team's Europa League away fixture against Fenerbahçe SK after picking up a second yellow card here, his second dismissal in five days.

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