Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained why Marcus Rashford was replaced at half-time in Thursday’s Europa League clash against FC Porto.
Rashford, who has struggled for form in recent weeks, netted an early opener for United after a great piece of wing play.
He continued to be a danger on the left hand side, beating full-back Joao Mario on numerous occasions, and shortly after his opener, Rashford assisted Rasmus Hojlund to make it two.
But to the surprise of many, Erik ten Hag decided to replace Rashford at half-time – a decision many presumed was down to an injury.
After the full-time whistle, Ten Hag was asked about his decision to bring on Alejandro Garnacho for Rashford.
“We have to rotate,” he told TNT Sports. “We wanted to bring Garnacho on. We have to play Garnacho. We have a quick turnaround to [Aston] Villa. We want fresh players on the pitch on Sunday.”
The reporter then asked if Rashford could have played more minutes at the Estadio do Dragao. “We have to play Garnacho,” Ten Hag replied.
“We go quickly, a quick turnaround to Villa. They have a day longer, we have an away game so we want fresh players on the pitch on Sunday.”
Given how well Rashford was playing, many fans on social media were quick to react to Ten Hag’s comments.
One fan said: “Marcus Rashford was the most threatening player on the pitch, Porto were tapping out when he had the ball… and Erik ten Hag took him off because of a pre-agreed rotation decision! Unbelievable!”
A second wrote: “Wow. Just wow. I thought he brought Rashford off through injury but Ten Hag as just said he wasn’t injured. Rashford was the best player on the park in that 1st half. That just makes no sense. He looked a beaten man.”
A third commented: “WOW! Erik Ten Hag just confirmed the Rashford sub was just rotation and not an injury. That is insanity. He was quite literally our best, most effective player in that first half. Ludicrous decision.”
A fourth wrote: “Ten Hag just said he subbed Rashford because we have Villa on Sunday. The best player on the pitch. Our only attacking threat in a game that will help determine his future. Absolute joke.”
A fifth added: “Just listened to Ten Hag say that he took off Rashford our best player on the pitch at half time for ‘rotation’. No wonder Rashford finds it difficult. I think that does it for me.”
United snatched a last gasp point in Portugal after substitute Harry Maguire headed home a corner to make it 3-3. They currently sit 21st in the Europa League table with two points from a possible six.