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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained Marcus Rashford’s shocking first-half substitution in the 3-3 draw with Porto. soccer news

Erik ten Hag revealed that the reason Marcus Rashford was a surprise substitute at halftime during Manchester United’s 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League last Thursday was because of rotation.

Rashford was United’s best performer in the first half, scoring his side’s opener off Rasmus Hoslund as Ten Hag’s side escaped the traps and surged into a 2-0 lead.

speaking Sky Sports News Former Wales striker Robert Earnshaw said of Rashford’s first-half performance: “Marcus Rashford was excellent.

“Every time he gets the ball on the left he threatens Porto. He looks like the most dangerous player at Manchester United.”

However, United were stopped before the end of the game when Porto scored through Pepe and Samu Omorodion equalized before half-time.

Rashford did not reappear in the second half and was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho, leading to speculation that he was injured. However, after the game, Ten Hag explained live ahead of the Super Sunday match against Aston Villa that the player substitutions were all part of the plan. sky sports.

“We have to pivot,” Ten Hag said.

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

“We got back to Villa quickly, they took an extra day to recover and we played away.”

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

“Based on my assessment so far, I think he poses an offensive threat to us this season by creating chances, assists and goals.

“We have to play Garnacho too and we have two very good players there.”

Asked whether the decision had anything to do with Rashford’s role in Porto’s first goal, ten Haag said: “Like I said, I’ll have to watch it and on the left flank I certainly don’t think we defended well tonight. .”

“Marcus played a part in this too, but like I said, it had to do with Garnacho and nothing to do with Rashy.”

Manchester United’s defense needs to improve, Ten Hag admits.

Erik Ten Hag says Manchester United must do better than squander a 2-0 lead.

“We started the game very well and scored two goals but lost control. It started out good, the middle part was bad, and then it ended very well.

“It’s a tough place to get to and it’s good for the spirit for us to get an equalizer after being 3-2 down.

“Once again we see that the team is strong-willed and strong in character, but we need to improve in the middle, in defence.

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

‘Don’t judge Manchester United anymore’

Porto scored again in Omorodion’s second leg shortly after the restart, and United, who were reduced to 10 men with nine minutes remaining when captain Bruno Fernandes received a second yellow card for high boots and was sent off for the second game in a row, attacked once again. went to We are headed for another catastrophic defeat.

But Ten Hag’s side dug in to salvage a draw during stoppage time when substitute Harry Maguire headed home a shot from a corner.

Despite this, United, who remain in 21st place after their second draw and remain in the knockout play-off places, are without a win in four games and the nature of this game will add to the pressure on Ten Hag ahead of a tough trip to Aston Villa on the 19th. It’s just that. sunday.

Pressed about his future, the Dutchman remained defiant, saying: “We will get there. Don’t judge us at this moment, judge us at the end of the season.” .

“We are progressing and we will improve. We have two seasons left until the finals (so) just wait.

“We have to develop and improve this team. We will continue to work and fight.

“You can see the spirit and connection between the staff and the team. The players want to come together and achieve. We have a good mentality but we need to strengthen some defensive areas.”

Maguire’s support for Ten Hag

United have conceded three or more goals in a game on 24 occasions in all competitions since Ten Hag took charge. This is the most by any Premier League team over that period.

This is the third time this season that they have conceded three goals in one game.

However, goalscorer Maguire used his experience to back up Ten Hag to help United navigate this difficult situation.

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

“When you go through a bad situation, the players feel the pressure, but so does the manager.

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

“Playing for or managing this club is part of the privilege you have.”

Maguire: We need to defend better

Harry Maguire admitted Manchester United need to be more solid after allowing Porto to draw 3-3 in the Europa League after coming from 2-0 down.

“When you win 2-0 away from home in a place like this, you have to be a little more solid and safer,” the defender said.

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

“We played really well with the ball in the first half and we need to do more without it.

“It probably starts with faith. When we’re 2-0 up and then we concede, there’s just a little bit of belief among the boys that we can go on and win the game.

“It’s something we need to recognize and focus on so that we can come together and regroup and come together when we recognize it, because that’s part of football and that’s what we need to do better.”

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