Man United boss Erik ten Hag lifts lid on why Marcus Rashford was replaced at halftime vs Porto

Erik ten Hag admitted that Marcus Rashford’s defensive performance was a concern during Manchester United’s turbulent first half against Porto, which contributed to his substitution at the break.

Rashford opened the scoring for United in the seventh minute and provided the assist for Rasmus Højlund’s goal, doubling their lead by the 20th minute.

However, Porto responded with two goals within seven minutes, levelling the score by half-time.

Alejandro Garnacho, who had been warming up during the interval, replaced Marcus Rashford at the start of the second half.

Marcus Rashford has now failed to complete 90 minutes in any of his last five appearances for United.

In his post-match press conference, Ten Hag downplayed Rashford’s substitution, citing rotation as the reason.

He also emphasized the need to introduce Garnacho, explaining that the Argentine winger was not fit enough to start the match but was ready to contribute later on.

“Garnacho was my best player on Sunday by far and also in many other games,” Ten Hag stressed.

“I think in the season as I assess it so far, he is bringing us so far the offensive threat by creating chances, assists, also scoring.

“Garnacho, we also had to play him as well and we have two very good players over that side.”

When asked if Rashford’s failure to keep up with Joao Mario, who crossed the ball for Porto’s first goal, contributed to his withdrawal, Ten Hag replied: “I have to watch it back and I think over the left side, definitely we didn’t defend well tonight and Marcus also played a part in this.

“But, as I say, it had to do with Garnacho and nothing against Rashy.”

Harry Maguire’s 91st-minute header salvaged a point for Manchester United, preventing what would have been their fourth defeat of the season.

However, the draw extended United’s winless run to four games, and they have managed just one victory in their last ten European outings.

Despite scoring 12 goals in their last four European away matches, United have yet to secure a win in any of them.

They suffered 4-3 defeats to Bayern Munich and Copenhagen, and last year, drew 3-3 with Galatasaray.

Erik ten Hag criticized the defensive effort following Samu Omorodion’s 50th-minute goal, which put Porto 3-2 ahead.

Ten Hag suggested some of his players lacked the commitment needed to defend effectively in that crucial moment.

“I think it’s mixed feelings,” Ten Hag added.

“We all know this is a very tough place to go.

“When you start so well, the players execute the plan brilliantly, we scored two great goals.

“And then we switch off.

“We don’t keep so much possession as before, defending we’re switching off, we concede the first goal totally unnecessarily and then you know you light up the fire in this stadium. In this ambience, it becomes really tough.

“We addressed it at half-time and then we concede the third one so unnecessarily, no one defending again and that has also to do with some willingness in such moments.

“But then I have to praise the guys, how they return in the game and how they fight and find a way to get an equaliser.”

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