Rashford 'played a part' in Man Utd's poor defending - Ten Hag explains half-time sub

news banner image

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag explained after the Red Devils' away draw against Porto that Marcus Rashford was substituted at half-time because of poor defending and the need to rotate due to the overloaded schedule.

1 month ago
Manchester United again disappointed their fans in a game that looked set to change their fortunes when the Red Devils took an early two-goal lead against Porto away from home. However, the Mancunians switched off and allowed the home side to turn the game around, although a late goal from Harry Maguire earned his side a point.
Ten Hag was unhappy with his side's defending after they had taken a two-goal lead, which was reflected in the Dutch coach's decision to replace Marcus Rashford at half-time to bring on Alejandro Garnacho.
The former Ajax boss told a post-match press conference that the reason for the England winger's substitution was tactical, due to poor defending and also the need for rotation because of the overloaded schedule, denying it was any kind of punishment.
"He was ok, no issues but we just need to rotate. Also Alejandro Garnacho is our attacking threat in this moment and we brought him from the bench. We need fresh players for Sunday. And it's all in the plan. I think over the left side definitely we didn't defend well tonight… and Marcus Rashford also played a part in this. But, as I say, it had to do with Garnacho and I wanted him on the pitch," he said.
The Red Devils coach was asked again about the issue and responded in the same vein. "Rashford out? Again, we have to rotate. On Sunday we have another hard game, we need players to be fit and fresh. We had to play Garnacho. We go quickly to Villa. They have an extra day to recover," he concluded.

Comments