Manchester United Coach Erik Ten Hag has told the press the reason why Marcus Rashford was subbed off at First half of the match between Porto.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag elucidated the rationale for Marcus Rashford’s substitution at halftime during Thursday’s Europa League match against FC Porto.
Rashford, who has experienced a decline in form recently, scored an early goal for United following an impressive display on the wing.
He remained a threat on the left flank, often outmaneuvering full-back Joao Mario, and shortly after his initial goal, Rashford provided an assist to Rasmus Hojlund, increasing the score to two.
To the astonishment of many, Erik ten Hag opted to substitute Rashford at half-time, a decision that was widely believed to be due to an injury.
Following the conclusion of the match, Ten Hag was inquired about his choice to substitute Alejandro Garnacho for Rashford.
“We must implement a rotation,” he said TNT Sports. We intended to substitute Garnacho. We must utilize Garnacho. We have a rapid transition to [Aston] Villa. We desire new players on the field on Sunday.
The reporter inquired whether Rashford might have participated for a longer duration at the Estadio do Dragao. “We must utilize Garnacho,” Ten Hag said.
We go swiftly, with a rapid transition to Villa. They possess an additional day; we have an away match, so we desire fresh individuals on the field on Sunday.
Considering Rashford’s fantastic performance, several supporters on social media promptly responded to Ten Hag’s remarks.
A fan remarked: “Marcus Rashford was the most menacing player on the field; Porto appeared to concede when he possessed the ball.” Erik ten Hag substituted him due to a pre-established rotation strategy. Incredible!
Erik ten Hag’s decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at halftime during Manchester United’s Europa League match against FC Porto, despite Rashford’s strong performance, was met with surprise by fans. Rashford had scored early and assisted Rasmus Højlund, making a significant impact on the game. However, Ten Hag clarified his reasoning in a post-match interview, stating that the substitution was part of a planned rotation strategy to manage the squad’s fitness ahead of the upcoming Premier League fixture against Aston Villa. He emphasized the need to introduce Alejandro Garnacho for fresh legs, given the tight schedule and the fact that Villa had an extra day of rest. Ten Hag reiterated that Rashford’s early substitution was not injury-related but a tactical move aimed at keeping the team competitive across multiple fixtures.
Fans on social media expressed mixed reactions, with some praising Rashford’s standout performance and questioning the timing of his substitution, while others understood the logic behind the rotation plan.
